The decision to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has drawn sharp criticism from India's 1983 World Cup-winning cricketer Madan Lal, former India cricketer Kirti Azad and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, report agencies.
1983 World Cup-winning star Madan Lal weighed in on Mustafizur Rahman's exit from the IPL, which followed the BCCI's request to KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer, a call the franchise accepted amid the prevailing political tensions between the two countries. Mustafizur has previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, and was most recently snapped up by KKR for a hefty INR 91.9 million (9.2 crore) at the mini-auction. The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over Rahman's participation after the recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India's expression of concern for the safety of minorities there.
KKR found themselves under intense scrutiny in recent days following Mustafizur's signing, with the franchise and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan drawing attention amid reports of atrocities against Hindus in the neighbouring country.
Madan reacted to the BCCI's move involving Mustafizur Rahman, highlighting the board's decisive role while voicing his unease over political issues beginning to overshadow cricket and sport in general.
"You know, I think the BCCI has taken this decision because nobody can challenge them. Not even Shah Rukh Khan, because they come under the BCCI. So the BCCI has taken the decision. But I don't know why there is so much politics entering sports. I have no idea where cricket is heading, where sport is heading," Madan Lal told India Today.
"The things that happened in Bangladesh are very, very sad. But you see, a lot of these associations take the players into the firing line. That is the problem. They use the players. It's a very sad thing that is going on. Politics should not be involved in sport," he added.
Madan spoke candidly about the issue, pointing to the situation in Bangladesh as the primary reason behind the call, while also defending Shah Rukh Khan by emphasising that auction decisions are made by committees and not driven by an individual owner.
"Yes, definitely. Because of what is going on in Bangladesh, that is why they must have taken this decision. I am talking straight here. There must have been pressure from the high command. That is why this decision was taken," he said. "What is Shah Rukh Khan's fault? This is a committee that takes decisions. When they sit in the auction, they are the people who pick the players and everything," Madan Lal said.
Meanwhile, former India cricketer Kirti Azad slammed BCCI over Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman's exit, calls decision 'Illogical and politically motivated'.
He slammed BCCI ex-secretary Jay Shah for allegedly enabling "traitors" by allowing Bangladeshi players in IPL 2026 auction.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge echoed similar sentiments and questioned the role of the BCCI, the ICC and the Union government in the controversy. Speaking on the issue, Kharge said the rules governing player participation should have been clearly framed at the outset. "What is the point of questioning a franchise or its owner? The rules are set by the BCCI and are overseen by the ICC. Why is nobody questioning the BCCI, the ICC or the Home Minister?" he asked.
Kharge also accused the ruling establishment of selectively invoking nationalism for profit. "If the BCCI really cares about people's sentiments, why are IPL auctions held outside India? Why was IPL played in Abu Dhabi during Covid? You don't see the English Premier League or the NFL conducting auctions outside their countries," he said.
Kharge alleged that nationalism was being used conveniently while commercial interests were prioritised.
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