The political row surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) escalated sharply on Saturday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcoming the BCCI’s directive while opposition leaders warned against mixing politics with sport.

BJP leader Sangeet Som thanked the BCCI for instructing the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise to release the Bangladesh pacer ahead of IPL 2026, describing the move as a “victory of the Hindus of the entire nation.”

“Thanks to BCCI for its decision in view of the 100 crore Sanatanis of India. We said yesterday that cognisance will be taken of this matter because the sentiments of 100 crore people cannot be taken lightly. This is the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation,” Som said.

Earlier in the day, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated that the decision was taken due to “recent developments going on all across,” adding that KKR would be allowed to name a replacement player if it so wished.

“Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad. If they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” Saikia told ANI.

Tharoor, Congress hit out

Reacting sharply to the controversy, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor termed the entire episode “very petty and shameful,” cautioning against politicising the IPL and targeting individual players over geopolitical tensions.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned the process that allowed Bangladeshi players to be included in the IPL auction pool in the first place. She said the onus lay on cricketing authorities, including the BCCI and ICC.

“Who put the Bangladeshi players in that pool? This question is for the BCCI and the ICC. Home Minister’s son Jay Shah should answer who allowed this,” Shrinate said.

Religious leaders target Shah Rukh Khan

The controversy has also drawn strong reactions from religious figures. Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur criticised Shah Rukh Khan, questioning KKR’s decision to buy Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction despite reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

“In Bangladesh, Hindus are being brutally murdered… How can someone be so heartless as to include a cricketer from that very country in his team?” Thakur said.

Similarly, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi demanded that Shah Rukh Khan apologise to the nation, condemn the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, and remove the Bangladeshi player from the squad.

Wider outrage over Bangladesh incidents

The IPL controversy comes amid widespread anger over a series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Last month, two Hindu youths were lynched in separate incidents—Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy charges, and Amrit Mondal in Rajbari district following an alleged extortion dispute. The incidents have triggered condemnation from political leaders, religious organisations, and minority groups in both India and Bangladesh.

With cricket, diplomacy, and domestic politics now intersecting, the Mustafizur Rahman episode has turned into one of the most politically charged IPL controversies in recent years, raising questions about the future handling of foreign players amid regional tensions.