KKR signed Mustafizur for a record ₹9.2 crore (~$1.1 million) in the IPL auction. Amid reports of lynchings and violence against Hindus in Bangladesh (e.g., cases like Dipu Chandra Das and Khokon Chandra Das being attacked, killed, and set ablaze), right-wing groups, BJP leaders (e.g., Sangeet Som calling SRK a “traitor”), Shiv Sena figures, and spiritual leaders (e.g., Rambhadracharya) accused SRK of anti-nationalism for “supporting” a Bangladeshi player during the unrest.
Political pressure led the BCCI to instruct KKR to release Mustafizur (confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia), citing “recent developments.” SRK faced widespread “traitor” slurs, boycott calls, and questions about his loyalty as a Muslim celebrity owning an IPL team. Defenders (e.g., Congress leaders) argued the targeting was communal, noting SRK doesn’t single-handedly select players and that similar logic isn’t applied to other franchises or Pakistan players.
Shortly thereafter, the Board of Control for Cricket in India conveyed security and “prevailing circumstances” concerns to KKR. The franchise complied and released Mustafizur without public dispute.
Bangladesh’s response was swift:
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