KKR Faces Backlash Over Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL 2026 Signing

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the IPL franchise owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has landed in the middle of a major controversy following its high-profile acquisition of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 mega auction.

The franchise spent a whopping ₹9.20 crore, nearly five times his base price of ₹2 crore, during the auction held in Abu Dhabi. While the move was intended to strengthen KKR’s bowling attack, it has instead triggered intense backlash across social media platforms.

Why Is KKR Facing Backlash?

The criticism is largely driven by ongoing political and social tensions in Bangladesh, particularly concerns over the treatment of the Hindu minority. Reports and online discussions highlighting alleged violence against Hindus have fueled anger among Indian cricket fans.

As a result, KKR’s decision to sign a Bangladeshi player has been viewed by many as insensitive, leading to trending hashtags such as #BoycottKKR on platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook.

Social Media Erupts With Boycott Calls

Fans have flooded social media accusing the franchise of ignoring broader ethical and national sentiments. Several posts have directly questioned KKR’s ownership and decision-making, while others have expanded the criticism toward the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

Many users are asking why Bangladeshi players were even allowed in the IPL auction, arguing that political tensions could impact the league’s image in India.

Questions Raised Over BCCI’s Role

The controversy has now widened beyond KKR. Critics are questioning the BCCI for permitting players from politically sensitive regions to participate in the IPL, a tournament watched by millions across India.

Some believe that such decisions could harm the brand value of the IPL, especially given India’s large Hindu population and heightened public sentiment.

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Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Journey

Despite the uproar, it’s worth noting that Mustafizur Rahman is no stranger to the IPL. The Bangladeshi pacer has previously represented top franchises such as:

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Delhi Capitals (DC)

He is also currently active in the UAE’s ILT20 league, maintaining a strong presence in global T20 cricket.

KKR Yet to Respond Officially

As of now, KKR has not released any official statement addressing the backlash. The silence has only added to speculation, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the franchise and the BCCI handle the growing controversy ahead of IPL 2026.

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Sports, Politics & Public Sentiment Collide

This episode once again highlights how modern sports increasingly intersect with politics and social issues. With fans becoming more vocal and opinionated, franchises are under greater scrutiny than ever before.

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will remain on KKR, the BCCI, and how they navigate the fallout from this controversial signing.

FAQs (For SEO & Google Rich Results)

Q1. Why is KKR facing backlash over Mustafizur Rahman?

KKR is facing criticism due to political tensions in Bangladesh and allegations regarding the treatment of Hindus, which has led to boycott calls after Mustafizur’s signing.

Q2. How much did KKR pay for Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2026?

KKR bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore, nearly five times his base price.

Q3. Has KKR responded to the controversy?

No, KKR has not issued any official statement so far.

Q4. Has Mustafizur Rahman played in the IPL before?

Yes, he has played for SRH, MI, CSK, and DC in previous IPL seasons.

Q5. Is the BCCI also being criticized?

Yes, many fans are questioning the BCCI for allowing Bangladeshi players in the IPL auction amid political tensions.

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Sri Lakshmi

Srilakshmi a bilingual content writer with 5 years of experience in Telugu and English news writing. Passionate about storytelling and trending topics, Srilakshmi delivers accurate and engaging content for readers worldwide.