**Cricket and Politics: Shashi Tharoor’s Stand on KKR’s Decision**
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his concerns on Saturday regarding the politicization of cricket, particularly in light of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This move followed a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid rising tensions and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
Tharoor questioned the implications of such decisions, asking what the reaction would have been if the players involved were Hindu cricketers like Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar. He emphasized the need to consider who is truly being punished by these actions—whether it is a nation, an individual, or a particular religion. “Where will this mindless politicizing of sport lead us?” he remarked on social media platform X.
Rahman was initially signed by KKR for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December 2025, a decision that was primarily viewed through a sporting lens. However, as reports of increasing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh surfaced, political controversy ensued, with several BJP leaders calling for Rahman’s removal from the team.
In a statement to reporters, Tharoor asserted that cricket should not bear the weight of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. He acknowledged India’s responsibility to advocate for the protection of minorities in the neighboring country but clarified that Rahman is not implicated in these violent events. “He has not been accused of hate speech, attacks, or condoning such acts. He is a sportsman, and mixing the two is simply not fair,” Tharoor stated.
Tharoor further highlighted that India has been actively engaging with Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minorities and that such diplomatic efforts should persist. He cautioned against isolating neighboring countries through sporting boycotts, arguing that such actions would not yield constructive outcomes. “If India becomes a country that isolates all its neighbors, it will not do any good. We need a big heart and a big mind in this matter,” he added.
The controversy intensified earlier this week when BJP leader Sangeet Som labeled Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for KKR’s decision to sign Rahman. Other BJP and Shiv Sena leaders echoed similar sentiments, asserting that allowing Rahman to participate in the IPL was unacceptable given the reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Tharoor’s comments came in the wake of a tragic incident involving Khokon Chandra Das, a Hindu businessman in Bangladesh, who succumbed to injuries after being brutally attacked and set on fire. This incident has heightened fears among the Hindu community in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent need for protection and support for minorities.
In conclusion, Tharoor’s remarks serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between sports and politics, urging for a more compassionate approach that prioritizes dialogue and understanding over division.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why did KKR release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad?**
A: KKR released Mustafizur Rahman following a BCCI directive amid rising political tensions and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, prompting calls from some political leaders for his removal.
