Religious leaders slam SRK over signing Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL:Rambhadracharya calls actor ‘traitor’; Sangeet Som threatens to block Mustafizur Rahman from playing

Protests are also being held in India over the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Several religious leaders have objected to the inclusion of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Devkinandan Thakur and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya criticised KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan over the decision. Rambhadracharya alleged that Shah Rukh Khan is “not a hero” and questioned his character, making strong remarks against him. Meanwhile, Devkinandan Thakur said that Hindus are being brutally killed in Bangladesh and questioned how a team owner could include a player from the same country under such circumstances. According to reports, three Hindus have been killed in Bangladesh within the last 12 days, leading to anger and protests in India. Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR at the IPL auction last month. Devkinandan calls on Shah Rukh Khan to drop Bangladeshi cricketer from team Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur protested, alleging that Hindus are being brutally killed in Bangladesh, their homes are being set on fire, and women are being subjected to sexual violence. He questioned how, after witnessing such brutality, anyone could be so hard-hearted, especially someone who calls himself the owner of a team. He further asked how it could be justified to include a cricketer from the same country in the team and questioned how the nation’s moral responsibility would be repaid by allowing a Bangladeshi player to play on Indian soil. He said they would convey their objections to the KKR management and its owner, demanding that the cricketer be removed from the team. Thakur also stated that, as an apology and act of repentance, the ₹9.2 crore being paid to the cricketer should instead be given to the families of Hindu children allegedly killed in Bangladesh. Also Read | ‘MS Dhoni not retiring, will play IPL 2026 season’ KKR bought Mustafizur for ₹9.20 crore Last month, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore at the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi. Also Read | IPL stampede fall-out; KSCA Sec, Treasurer step down