‘Win for Hindus': BJP leaders, spiritual gurus hail Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman's KKR exit

The selection of Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi left-arm fast-medium bowler, in KKR sparked outrage.

Updated on: Jan 3, 2026, 14:54:09 IST

By HT News Desk

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Singh Som and the spiritual figures he rallied behind over their criticism of Shah Rukh Khan's Indian Premiere League team Kolkata Knight Riders selecting a Bangladeshi player on Saturday welcomed Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision instructing KKR to release the bowler.

Bangladesh's cricketer Mustafizur Rahman who was bought by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2026 season, is seen is this Oct 2024 file image (PTI)

The selection of Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi left-arm fast-medium bowler, in KKR sparked outrage, with many slamming the decision of the IPL team as it comes amid souring India-Bangladesh ties over attacks on Hindus.

Amid the backlash, BCCI on Saturday instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman.

Welcoming the decision, BJP leader Sangeet Som on Saturday said this is a “victory of Hindus”.

"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, speaking to ANI news agency.

"Shah Rukh Khan has understood that he should not go against Sanatanis while living in India. He has also understood that thousands of Sanatanis have made him Shah Rukh Khan," he added

Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Narendra Kashyap also praised BCCI decision, saying “We welcome the decision of the BCCI that they understood the sentiments of the nation and removed the Bangladeshi player, as atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, something Prime Minister Modi and the government are raising objections over.”

Spiritual figures who were the first ones to voice out their objection to the selection of Mustafizur Rahman also backed BCCI's decision, but questioned Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan's silence on the matter.

Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur welcomed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to ask Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. He said the move was justified in the backdrop of alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

"I thank the BCCI for this decision. Atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, and if a player from that nation plays in the IPL, it is not acceptable," ANI quoted spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur, who had termed Shah Rukh Khan “heartless” and “cruel”, as saying.

"Mr KKR (Shah Rukh Khan) has still not given any statement. It is painful that Mr KKR is not standing with the Hindus," he added.

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HT News Desk
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