Imam Ilyasi Calls for Shah Rukh Khan to Apologize Over IPL Player Selection
Imam Ilyasi's Demand for an Apology
Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, has urged Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to apologize to the nation. This call comes after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) included Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in their roster for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. KKR secured Mustafizur for a staggering Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction. Following this acquisition, there have been numerous violent incidents targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh, prompting many to question the inclusion of Mustafizur in the IPL.
Imam Ilyasi emphasized that KKR's owner, Shah Rukh Khan, should publicly denounce the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and reconsider Mustafizur's position on the team. He stated, "Is Shah Rukh Khan unaware of the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh? It is disheartening that despite this knowledge, KKR chose a Bangladeshi player in the auction. Shah Rukh Khan must apologize to the nation and condemn these acts of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh."
Concerns Raised by Shiv Sena Leaders
Sanjay Nirupam, a leader from Shiv Sena, previously urged Shah Rukh Khan to dismiss the Bangladeshi player from his team to avoid becoming a target of public outrage. He remarked that with rising tensions against Bangladesh, anyone associated with the country could face backlash. "If there is a Bangladeshi player in Shah Rukh Khan's team, it would be wise for him to remove the player to safeguard his own interests and those of India," Nirupam stated.
Additionally, Anand Dubey, a spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed that Bangladeshi players should not participate in the IPL on Indian soil. He warned that if Shah Rukh Khan fails to act and remove Mustafizur, it would indicate a lack of understanding of the sentiments of the Indian populace. "Bangladeshi players should be banned from playing in the IPL. They harbor animosity towards us due to the violence against our Hindu community. Shah Rukh Khan must act swiftly to remove this player; otherwise, it will show that he does not grasp the feelings of this nation," Dubey asserted.