Shah Rukh called ‘anti-national’ by Hindu spiritual leader over KKR signing Rahman; politicians divided: 'He has no character'

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan are facing fresh calls to remove pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad as attacks against Hindu continue unabated in Bangladesh. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has also been called an “anti-national” by Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadrachary, as the KKR owner faces criticism from religious and political leaders.

Fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini auction by KKR, was the only Bangladesh cricketer to attract a bid at the event. Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Rakibul Hasan went unsold in the IPL auction 2026.

‘Shah Rukh Khan is anti-national’

However, Mustafizur Rahman’s joining KKR amid growing tensions in Bangladesh after targeted attacks on Hindus has enraged fans and influential figures alike. Earlier, fans had also demanded the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the KKR squad on X .

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya has questioned Shah Rukh Khan’s character, calling him an “anti-national” as he expressed disappointment at KKR signing Rahman.

“…It is unfortunate (Shah Rukh Khan took Bangladeshi cricketer in KKR for IPL 2026), but he will do so because he is considered a hero. Shah Rukh Khan’s stance has consistently been at odds with the nation. He has no character. His character has always been questionable and anti-national,” Jagadguru Rambhadracharya said.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Uttar Pradesh MLA Sangeet Som had also called Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” while stating that Mustafizur Rahman will not be allowed to play in IPL 2026.

“Hum daave ke saath keh rahe hain ki aise khiladiyon ko yahan khelne nahi diya jaayega. Shah Rukh Khan jaise gaddaron ko yeh samajh lena chahiye ki aap jis tarah desh ke saath gaddari kar rahe hain, agar aap aaj is mukaam par pahunche hain toh is desh ke logon ki wajah se pahunche hain. (We say this with certainty that such players will not be allowed to play here. Traitors like Shah Rukh Khan should understand that if you have reached this position today, it is because of the people of this country.),” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said that playing Mustafizur Rahman in IPL would be akin to sponsoring terrorism. “If Shah Rukh Khan removes him from his team, we will all respect him, honour him, and give him due recognition. But if Shah Rukh Khan plays him and earns money, that money will be used to nurture terrorists there and conspire against our country. We will not allow this to happen at any cost," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan finds support from politicians

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has also found support from a few political leaders. AIMIM’s national spokesperson, Waris Pathan, said that when the Indian government has allowed cricket matches against Pakistan, then Mustafizur Rahman playing for KKR in IPL should not be treated differently.

“I condemn the atrocities being committed against the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh… Violence should not be done… Even in India, atrocities are committed against Muslim minorities… When it comes to cricket, how does it matter who supports what? Some time ago, the Indian government allowed the India vs Pakistan match. We had objected to it because Pakistan has been the biggest propagator of terrorism, and India has greatly suffered because of it… In Pahalgam, they came and killed innocent tourists in the name of religion. India still played a match against Pakistan for money. I reject the money which brings my country’s pride and dignity into question…”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “There is no point in targeting Shah Rukh Khan. Taking action and deciding on India-Bangladesh relations falls under the jurisdiction of the central government.”

Meanwhile, fresh attacks have taken place against Hindus in Bangladesh. According to reports, Khokon Das, 50, was attacked and set on fire on 31 December. Das saved his life by jumping into a pond.