Shah Rukh Khan KKR Controversy Explained: How Bangladesh Violence Put Shah Rukh Khan and His IPL Team in Trouble

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Indian Premier League team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are caught in a major political and diplomatic crisis after signing Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. Attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh triggered the sports controversy, which ended with the actor’s forced release after allegations of treason and national betrayal emerged publicly widely.

Why is Shah Rukh Khan Facing Political Heat?

Shah Rukh Khan is facing intense criticism from Hindu religious leaders and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politicians after his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, purchased Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore in a December 2025 auction. Critics have called Khan's action callous and anti-national, directly connecting the signing to recent incidents of violence and lynchings targeting Bangladesh's Hindu minority.

What did Political & Religious leaders say?

The cricketing decision was framed as a betrayal by the swift and harsh criticism.

• BJP leader Sangeet Som called Khan a "traitor," stating, "Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh... traitors like Shah Rukh Khan are helping them by spending nine crores." He warned Rahman would not be able to leave the airport if he came to India.
• Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur questioned Khan's loyalty, asking, "This country made you a superstar... Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, and you have brought in a Bangladeshi cricketer?"
• Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya said Khan’s "character has always been questionable and anti-national."
• Shiv Sena's Krishna Hegde and the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation both demanded the player be banned, with the Imam calling for Khan to apologize to the nation.

How did the Congress Party Respond?

The Congress party came to Shah Rukh Khan’s defense, framing the attacks as politically motivated hate speech. Congress MP Manickam Tagore stated on social media, “Calling superstar Shah Rukh Khan a 'traitor' is an attack on India’s pluralism. Nationalism cannot be defined by hatred. By pointing out that player acquisition complies with international regulations and board permits, senior leader Tariq Anwar suggested that the decision was within acknowledged cricketing norms.

What was the Ultimate Outcome for KKR and the Player?

The rising political backlash and open warnings of public disorder triggered regulatory action. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), referring to the volatile circumstances, instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from his contract. KKR accepted the order, closing the player’s chapter with the team before the season started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What was Shah Rukh Khan accused of?

A: He was called a “traitor” and “anti-national” when his IPL team signed a Bangladeshi player during reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Q: Which political party defended Shah Rukh Khan?

A: The Congress party defended him, stating the accusations were an attack on India's pluralistic society and amounted to hate politics.

Q: Did Mustafizur Rahman ever play for KKR after the auction?

A: No. Following the BCCI's directive, KKR released him before the 2026 IPL season began.

Q: What was the primary reason given for the player's release?

A: Citing "recent developments" and the increased political and social tensions around the signing, the BCCI ordered the release.