Delhi: The controversy around Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to rope in Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming IPL season has drawn a strong response from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who has called for a clear separation between sport and politics.
Reacting to criticism that linked KKR’s auction choice to unrest and alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, Tharoor said cricket should not be dragged into geopolitical or social disputes. He stressed that sporting platforms must remain insulated from political tensions, even as governments continue to raise diplomatic concerns through appropriate channels.
Tharoor underlined that India has every right to voice its expectations regarding the safety and rights of minorities in neighbouring countries, but warned against targeting individual athletes for issues beyond their control. He noted that Mustafizur Rahman is a professional cricketer with no role in political or social conflicts and should be judged solely on his performance and conduct on the field.
Calling the backlash unfair, Tharoor argued that holding players accountable for events in their home countries sets a dangerous precedent. According to him, such an approach risks turning sport into a battleground for political messaging, which ultimately harms the spirit of the game.
He also cautioned against isolating neighbouring nations through sports boycotts or symbolic protests. Emphasising India’s long-standing historical and cultural ties with Bangladesh, Tharoor said engagement—rather than exclusion—helps maintain dialogue and stability in the region. Sporting exchanges, he added, often act as bridges during times of political strain.
KKR’s acquisition of Mustafizur Rahman, reportedly for a record sum for a Bangladeshi player, has been described by the franchise as a purely cricketing decision aimed at strengthening their bowling attack. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the BCCI has not received any formal instructions from the government regarding restrictions on Bangladeshi players’ participation in the IPL.
