Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan has once again found himself at the center of a controversy. This time, the reason is the inclusion of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL franchise KKR team. The decision has sparked sharp reactions from political circles to social media. While some leaders are linking it to treason, several political parties and leaders have openly come out in support of Shah Rukh Khan.

What is the root of the matter?
The controversy stems from the incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Recent reports from Bangladesh have raised concerns in India. Citing these incidents, several leaders of the BJP and Shiv Sena have questioned allowing a Bangladeshi player to play in the IPL. Some leaders have even directly accused Shah Rukh Khan of adopting an anti-national stance.

BJP leader launches attack
BJP leader Sangeet Som reacted sharply, saying that buying players from countries where Hindus are being persecuted is tantamount to betraying the country. Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde demanded that the IPL and BCCI ban players from countries where reports of atrocities against Hindus are emerging.

Devkinandan Thakur also gives a statement.
Religious leaders have also commented on the issue. Preacher Devkinandan Thakur suggested that the KKR management should remove the player and donate his auction money to the families of the Hindu victims. He also said that boycotting Bangladeshi players is necessary in the current situation to send a message.

Shah Rukh Khan is not a hero.
Preacher Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya has targeted Shah Rukh Khan for including the Bangladeshi cricketer in his IPL team. When asked about Shah Rukh, Rambhadracharya called the decision to include the Bangladeshi player in the IPL unfortunate. The preacher further said, "Shah Rukh Khan is not a hero. He has no character. This is nothing new. All his actions have been like those of a traitor." "All his actions have always been anti-national."

Voices raised in support of Shah Rukh Khan.
However, several political voices also rose in support of Shah Rukh Khan in this entire controversy. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap alleged that Shah Rukh Khan was being targeted because of his Muslim identity. He questioned why a double standard was being applied on this issue when India still plays cricket with Pakistan. Jagtap also clarified that the selection of the IPL team is done through a process, and Shah Rukh Khan alone does not decide on any player.

Questions raised on politicization
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh also questioned the politicization of the issue. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi said that putting a player in the dock based on his nationality is tantamount to spreading hatred. He also asked why there was so much uproar over a cricketer when India had given refuge to the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and adopted a liberal stance in other controversial matters. Uttar Pradesh Congress leaders also accused the central government of adopting double standards. They said that if this is such a big issue, then the responsibility lies with the government, not a film star.

Shah Rukh Khan has not given any reaction.
This controversy has surfaced at a time when several incidents of violence against Hindus have been reported in Bangladesh, which has made the issue even more sensitive. But the question remains whether sports should be judged based on politics and religion, or whether cricket should be allowed to remain just cricket? Currently, Shah Rukh Khan is silent on the entire matter, but KKR's decision is no longer just a sports management decision; it has become a subject of national debate.

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