Earlier on Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had directed the three-time IPL champions to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler and permitted the franchise to name a replacement player. \u201cThe BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, while also allowing the franchise to appoint a replacement,\u201d Saikia told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The decision reportedly followed concerns over violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, as well as criticism from certain quarters opposing Rahman\u2019s participation in the IPL. The move has since sparked a wider political debate over nationalism, religion, and the separation of sports and politics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reacting to the development, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the rationale behind the decision and the timing of the rule enforcement. \u201cThe BCCI and franchise owners framed this rule. Now the BCCI is not explaining anything, and the matter has been left unresolved. The person who framed the rule is not being called a traitor, while the one who follows it is being labelled a traitor. Why was this rule not introduced earlier?\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy opposed the move outright, stating that sports should remain free from political influence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI do not agree with this at all. Politics should not enter sports. If KKR is taking players from all over the world, including Bangladesh, what harm is there in that?\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In contrast, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey welcomed the BCCI\u2019s directive and thanked the board for what he described as a long-overdue decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI want to thank BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Better late than never. From day one, we have been demanding that no Bangladeshi or Pakistani cricketer should be allowed to come to our country to play matches. We have consistently protested this. We are Shiv Sainiks, and this reflects public sentiment and the faith of crores of Hindus. We only say one thing\u2014respect the sentiments of the nation. We welcome this correct decision, and in the future, there should be a complete boycott. We do not want any relations with Pakistan or Bangladesh,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, however, criticised the communal narrative surrounding the controversy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe way some people are opposing this in the name of Sanatan Dharma lacks logic. I am confident that the people are using their logic. The fact is that the BCCI gave permission to that cricketer, which is why the auction took place. Shah Rukh Khan or his team did nothing wrong. They won the bid purely on merit. This is yet another attempt to create \u2018Hindu-Muslim\u2019 divisions. They make people fight on the basis of region and religion and benefit from such controversies. This has been their pattern, and they have politically gained from it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad said the decision should be viewed in light of public sentiment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cConsidering public sentiment, I think the BCCI took the right step? It should have been done. There should be peace, or at least an effort to ensure peace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha questioned the BCCI\u2019s selective decision-making and accused it of inconsistency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIs the IPL played without the BCCI\u2019s permission? The IPL takes place only with the board\u2019s approval. When players were being signed, where was the BCCI? Why didn\u2019t they object then to players from Bangladesh? Because of the name \u2018Khan\u2019 after Shah Rukh Khan, the BCCI and even the central government suddenly felt uneasy. At that time, where was the BCCI leadership? When the India-Pakistan match was played immediately after a ceasefire, why didn\u2019t the BCCI stop that match? The BCCI should stay away from politics. While I understand that it follows government guidelines, it also has responsibilities. The board must answer why the India-Pakistan match was allowed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar cautioned against politicising sports and religion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAny nation founded solely on religion ultimately ends up strangling democracy. Our tradition has never been to politicise sports. However, given the current situation in Bangladesh, it is also true that the international community should intervene,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey said sports should be viewed separately, but acknowledged concerns about the situation in Bangladesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe rules of the game are different and should be seen independently. However, there is an undeniable bias against Hindus in Bangladesh. The government should take note of this. Hindus are a minority and deserve recognition and protection. The way the local administration is acting reflects discrimination, which is not good for the country or for Hindus. That said, sports are governed by their own laws,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey said sports should be viewed separately, but acknowledged concerns about the situation in Bangladesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 30-year-old left-arm pacer has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.13 since making his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises, including the Mumbai Indians in 2018, the Rajasthan Royals in 2021, the Delhi Capitals during the 2022\u201323 seasons, and the Chennai Super Kings in 2024. He also represented the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk.<\/p>\r\n\r\n