Shashi Tharoor has said that cricket should not be dragged into political or social disputes amid the controversy over Kolkata Knight Riders selecting Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL auction. He stated that sport should not “bear the burden” of tensions related to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
Speaking on the issue, Tharoor said India should continue to raise concerns diplomatically about the protection of minorities in neighboring countries, but sporting decisions should remain separate from such matters. He stressed that mixing politics with cricket is unfair and unnecessary.
Tharoor defended Mustafizur Rahman by saying the player has no link to the alleged incidents in Bangladesh. He said Rahman has not been accused of hate speech or supporting violence and should be judged only as a cricketer.
He also warned against isolating neighboring countries over political disagreements, saying cutting sporting ties does not help regional stability. Tharoor described KKR’s decision as purely a cricketing call and underlined the importance of continued engagement with Bangladesh.
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KKR Controversy: BCCI Comments on Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman Playing in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, the BCCI said it has not received any instruction from the government to block Bangladeshi players from the IPL. A board source confirmed that no directive exists regarding Mustafizur Rahman’s participation.
KKR bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL mini-auction, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history. Rahman has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches and has previously played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.
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