Shah Rukh Khan criticised for signing Mustafizur Rahman to KKR, BCCI intervenes

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has come under fire following the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signing of Bangladeshi left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 Indian Premiere League (IPL).

Political ties between India and Bangladesh are currently tense amidst rising communal violence and the signing of a player from Bangladesh to KKR has led to severe criticism of the franchise and its owner, Shah Rukh Khan.

BCCI intervention was required after Shah Rukh Khan came under the gun

Shah Rukh Khan is being heavily criticised for signing Bangladeshi cricketer, Mustafizur Rahman to KKR for the 2026 IPL season. A few religious and political leaders have said that the legendary actor's move was anti-national and that he is a "traitor".

Amidst growing controversy and hatred targeted at Shah Rukh Khan, KKR and Mustafizur Rahman, BCCI has decided to intervene to quell the situation. The Board has asked the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned franchise to release Mustafizur from the squad.

The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the body took the decision "because of recent developments all across" and had to intervene after pressure increased on KKR for signing a Bangladeshi player, bringing politics within the cricket field.

The secretary told the media, "The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for a replacement if needed, and upon request, the BCCI will allow a replacement player".

Following BCCI's orders, KKR confirmed that it had let Mustafizur go, in a statement, "KKR confirms that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)/IPL, as the regulator of the IPL, has instructed it to release Mustafizur from the squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season. The release has been carried out following due process and consultations".

Now, KKR fans must wait to know who will replace Mustafizur Rahman in the squad.

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