Storm Brews Over IPL: BJP Leader Brands Shah Rukh Khan a “Traitor” Over Mustafizur Signing
By Lions Roar News Sports Desk
NEW DELHI, INDIA (January 2, 2026) — Bollywood icon and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan has found himself at the center of a heated political controversy following the high-profile signing of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 IPL season.
The backlash comes from senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figure and former Uttar Pradesh MLA Sangeet Som, who has publicly condemned the move, labeling the superstar a “traitor” and threatening to block the cricketer from entering the country.
💰 The Auction That Sparked the Fire
The friction stems from the IPL 2026 Auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. During the intense bidding war, KKR secured Mustafizur Rahman—the only Bangladeshi player picked in this year’s auction—for a staggering ₹9.20 crore (approx. $1.1 million USD).
Mustafizur’s IPL 2026 Deal at a Glance:
- Base Price: ₹2 crore
- Final Selling Price: ₹9.20 crore (KKR)
- Status: Most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.
- Role: Key death-overs specialist and backup for Matheesha Pathirana.
🗣️ “No Right to Live in India” – Sangeet Som
Speaking at a public event in Meerut, Sangeet Som lashed out at the KKR management, citing ongoing reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh as the reason for his outrage.
“At a time when atrocities against Hindus and other minorities are rising in Bangladesh, Shah Rukh Khan is busy filling the pockets of a player from that country. This is nothing short of treason,” Som declared.
The politician didn’t stop at words, issuing a physical warning to the left-arm seamer:
- The Airport Threat: Som warned that if “The Fizz” (Mustafizur) attempts to land in India for the tournament, protesters would ensure he “does not step a single foot out of the airport.”
- The “Traitor” Label: He further claimed that Shah Rukh Khan has “no right to live in India” if he continues to prioritize commercial interests over national sentiment.
🏟️ IPL 2026: Politics vs. Sport
The controversy places the BCCI and KKR in a delicate position as the 19th edition of the IPL is set to begin in March 2026. While fans are eager to see the “Purple and Gold” army take the field with their new powerhouse bowling attack, religious and political leaders in cities like Ujjain and Meerut have already started calling for a boycott of the franchise.
Mustafizur, who has previously been a star for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, is expected to join the squad late due to a partial NOC from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, missing matches between April 16 and 23. Whether he will be allowed to play without disruption remains a major question mark for the upcoming season.
