BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman due to India-Bangladesh tensions, while Shah Rukh Khan and KKR encounter political backlash.
In a potential setback for the Kolkata Knight Riders, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated on Saturday that the board has requested the franchise to let go of Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi fast bowler, amid rising tensions between India and its neighbor.
Saikia informed the press that the decision was made considering recent events within the board.
“Because of the recent changes happening everywhere, BCCI has directed the franchise KKR to release their player Mustafizur Rahman from Bangladesh. BCCI also mentioned that they will permit a replacement if requested,” Saikia stated.
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Kolkata acquired Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore during the Abu Dhabi mini-auction following intense competition with the Chennai Super Kings. Recently, both the team and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan have faced criticism for choosing Rahman amid tense relations between India and Bangladesh.
Various political figures from the BJP and Shiv Sena have criticized Shah Rukh Khan and KKR, claiming they are disregarding national sentiment. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have persisted following the murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu individual, in Mymensingh in December.
Several other instances of violence against Hindus have emerged in Bangladesh, heightening demands for Rahman’s ouster. Previously, BJP leader Sangeet Som had termed Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan a ‘gaddar‘ (traitor) for moving forward with the signing of a Bangladeshi player.