Shah Rukh Khan, Mustafizur Rahman

Former India cricketer Madan Lal spoke about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision to direct Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and supported actor and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, saying he had no role in team selection.“This is the decision of the BCCI and the Central government must have taken this decision, given the atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh,” Madan Lal told news agency ANI.

The former World Cup winner said Shah Rukh Khan should not be linked to the matter and pointed out that team selection is handled by the franchise’s cricket management.“There is no fault of Shah Rukh Khan as they have the team who picks the team,” he added.His comments came after KKR confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman had been excluded from the squad for the upcoming season on the BCCI’s instructions. In a media advisory, the franchise said, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.” “The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” the statement added. The advisory also said, “BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.” Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board had directed KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer “due to the recent developments.”Earlier on Saturday, BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som welcomed the BCCI’s decision. Som also took a swipe at Shah Rukh Khan and said the actor had understood not to go against the “Sanatanis”.Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the BCCI after KKR were told to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season.Sharing a video from Friday, Tharoor reiterated his stand on the issue. “Recalling my views on the subject, now that BCCI has deplorably pulled the plug on Mustafizur Rahman,” he said. He further questioned the decision, adding, “And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar?”Tharoor also raised broader concerns about the move. “Who are we punishing here: a nation, an individual, his religion? Where will this mindless politicising of sport lead us?” he asked.