The cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh seem to be heading to an all-time low. On Saturday (January 3), Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from his contract to play IPL 2026 after BCCI’s instructions.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who signed Mustafizur for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction last month, obliged to the board’s diktat and let go of the left-arm quick.
The BCCI's move came after the signing of the sole Bangladeshi representative triggered a political and public backlash, particularly amid the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Speaking to ANI, Atul Wassan reacted to the development, saying that the controversy is an expected fallout of the unrest in Bangladesh, but blaming Shah Rukh Khan is unfair because he is not the sole owner of the franchise and KKR was not the only team bidding for the player.
"... Whatever has happened has cascading effects, and these things were bound to happen in the backdrop of Bangladesh unrest. But blaming Shah Rukh Khan is unfair, as he is not the only owner of KKR and KKR were not the only team bidding for the player. Removing a player will not make any difference...," Wassan stated.
"And just by removing one player, our revenge doesn't get fulfilled. And I think we should mature a little and think about it. If we have to show our anger to Bangladesh and make sure that they should not be able to take advantage of whatever is beneficial for them, then you did the right thing. But that decision, by pre-empting it, you put all the blame on KKR, or Shah Rukh Khan, that seemed a little strange," he added.
Wassan further said both politics and sports are interconnected and can’t be kept apart, while also adding that the situation with Bangladesh should not be equated with India-Pakistan tensions.
"I think it's okay. People say politics and sports are different, but they're not. And we should not compare the situation of India and Pakistan with India and Bangladesh. The problem with Bangladesh can be improved. That country is also in turmoil. There is a lot of transition going on. So we should be a little patient. The government is very mature and understands how it is going," Wassan remarked.
Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som welcomed the BCCI’s decision to release Mustafizur Rahman. He also targeted KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan.
Speaking with ANI, Sangeet Singh Som said, "Thanks to BCCI for its decision in view of the 100 crore Sanatanis of India. We said yesterday that cognisance will be taken of this matter because the sentiments of 100 crore people cannot be taken lightly... This is the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation."
"Shah Rukh Khan has understood that he should not go against Sanatanis while living in India. He has also understood that thousands of Sanatanis have made him Shah Rukh Khan," he added.
(With ANI Inputs)
