Intense tension around IPL: Shiv Sena leader's threat raises concerns about Mustafizur Rahman's safety!

Published: 09:43 2 January 2026
Tensions have escalated off the field before the start of the upcoming IPL. Bangladesh national team star pacer Mustafizur Rahman is at the center of this controversy. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL auction.
The decision to include Mustafizur Rahman in the team has been criticized in various political circles in India due to the current hostile political relations between Bangladesh and India. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh BJP hardliner Sangeet Som sparked a controversy by calling Shah Rukh Khan a 'traitor'.
This time, the controversy has become even more intense. Sanjay Nirupam, the leader of India's Hindutva political party Shiv Sena, has demanded that Mustafizur Rahman be removed from the KKR team, alleging persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. At the same time, he has also been accused of indirectly threatening the Bangladeshi cricketer.
In a statement given to news agency ANI, Sanjay Nirupam said, “When the entire country is angry and furious with Bangladesh, Indian citizens do not have even the slightest contact with any Bangladeshi. If anyone comes in such a situation, he can be a victim of public anger.”
He also said, “If there is any Bangladeshi cricketer in Shah Rukh Khan’s team, then our request is that he be dropped from the team before he becomes a big target. This will be good for him and at the same time, the interests of India will be protected.”
After such comments by the Shiv Sena leader, there has been a huge reaction on social media. Many are commenting that the matter is an attempt to create unnecessary tension by mixing politics with sports. Besides, the issue of ensuring the security of Mustafizur Rahman during the IPL is also at the center of deep concern.
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