NEW DELHI: The three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders found themselves at the centre of controversy following their signing of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the IPL 2026 season. KKR acquired the left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction last month.

Calls to boycott Bangladeshi players from the IPL grew louder in the wake of recent reports of violence and lynchings against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, with BJP leaders questioning KKR's decision to include a Bangladeshi player in their squad.

BJP leader Sangeet Som has criticised KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan calling him 'traitor' over the signing of Mustafizur Rahman and the move "unacceptable" and urging a review of the participation of Bangladeshi players in the IPL.

The controversy has escalated, with reports of religious leaders in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, warning of potential disruptions to matches if Mustafizur takes the field for KKR. The debate has gained traction on social media, with hashtags such as #BoycottKKR and #BoycottIPL trending as users call for a boycott of the franchise and the tournament.

BCCI issues clarification

Amid mounting speculation, the BCCI moved to clarify its stance on the controversy. In an official statement issued through senior officials, the board confirmed that there is no ban on Bangladeshi players participating in IPL 2026.

According to reports shared with InsideSport, the BCCI stated that while it continues to monitor diplomatic developments in consultation with the Indian government, it has not received any directive that would prevent Mustafizur Rahman from taking the field.

"We have to understand that it is a delicate situation. We have always been in touch with the government on evolving diplomatic situations and haven't heard anything that would push us to ban players from Bangladesh. So yes, Mustafizur will play in IPL. Bangladesh is not an enemy nation," a senior BCCI official said.