Shah Rukh Khan is once again at the centre of a public controversy. This time, the issue is linked to cricket and rising anger over violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The row started after his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, picked Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL auction.
The decision sparked sharp reactions from some quarters. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, openly criticised Shah Rukh Khan. He demanded an apology from the actor and asked him to speak out on the issue.
Speaking to ANI, Ilyasi questioned Shah Rukh Khan’s awareness of events in Bangladesh. He asked, “Does Shah Rukh Khan has no information regarding the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh?” He then said, “Even if he doesn’t know this, it is a pity. And if he knows that Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh and then he buys the players there, it is even more saddening.”
The Imam went further with his demand. He said, “I think Shah Rukh Khan should apologise to the people of the country. He should also give a statement condemning the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh.” Imam also added, “The way he has done it, in my eyes or in the eyes of the country, it is not right at all.”
His comments quickly went viral and triggered a strong online response.
Netizens Defend Shah Rukh Khan, Say ‘Bollywood Is Soft Target’
Soon after the remarks surfaced, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. While a few users trolled Shah Rukh Khan, many defended him. Several people questioned why the actor was being blamed for a decision taken under IPL rules.
Read some online user comments on llyasi’s video
“BCCI or Indian government hasn’t put any restriction on Bangladeshi players so far ….why should KKR do such a thing.”
“Why Shah Rukh Khan will apologise? Tell BCCI president to apologise. Bollywood is always a soft target.”
“Imam, Why India played with Pakistan after Pehalgam?”
“Abe bechta kaun hai??? Ye to dekh.. bechne wala BCCI .. kitna giroge be ?”
“Wah kya acting hai.”
“BCCI ne Bangladeshi player’s ko permission di hai ipl khelne ki srk ne nahi yeh hai Maulana ka double standard deklo bhaiyon”
“What about BJP, who allows to play cricket with pakistan & what about IPL President, who allows IPL franchise to buy Bangladesh cricketers???”
“Maulana ji aaj se Right Wing walo ke abba banenge.”
“BCCI has no issues… but this corrupt molvi numa has.”
Political Reactions And Bangladesh Violence Deepen The Controversy
Political voices soon joined the debate. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey also criticised KKR’s decision. He said Shah Rukh Khan was ignoring the feelings of the nation.
Dubey stated, “Bangladeshi players shouldn’t be allowed to play on Indian soil in the IPL…Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should be prohibited.” He then added, “Shah Rukh Khan should immediately remove that Bangladeshi cricketer from his team… If he doesn’t do this even after all this uproar, it will prove that, while he lives in this country and earns money here, he doesn’t understand this nation’s sentiments.”
For the unversed, KKR bought Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction. The pacer became one of the franchise’s key overseas picks.
The anger around the issue is closely linked to recent violence in Bangladesh. In December 2025, a Hindu garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was lynched after being falsely accused of making objectionable remarks about Prophet Muhammad. Reports said he was beaten, hanged from a tree, and set on fire. He was also forced to chant Islamic slogans.
Soon after, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was lynched in the Rajbari district. Earlier this week, Bajendra Biswas was shot dead in Mymensingh.
