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Religious leaders in Ujjain have issued warnings over Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s possible participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They threatened to disrupt IPL matches, including storming stadiums and damaging pitches, if the Bangladeshi fast bowler was allowed to play.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated in recent days due to rising tensions, reports of violence and growing anger in India over cross-border events. Kolkata Knight Riders signed Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore in the mini-auction. Mustafizur Rahman is the only Bangladeshi player selected for IPL 2026.
Anger grows over Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in IPL amid Bangladesh tensions
Anger has grown among fans following Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in the Indian Premier League. Many fans want Kolkata Knight Riders to release the left-arm pacer, saying his presence is wrong considering the current situation in Bangladesh.
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Several religious groups also raised strong objections, according to Firstpost. Mahavir Nath, head priest of the Rinmukteshwar Mahadev temple in Ujjain, said his supporters could take direct action if the player was allowed to be introduced. They say authorities are ignoring the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Other religious organizations have issued similar warnings. Some leaders even said they might storm stadiums to stop matches involving the Bangladeshi cricketer, increasing concerns over security and pressure on the franchise.
Why religious leaders are threatening to disrupt the IPL
Religious leaders have threatened to disrupt the IPL after recent violent incidents in Bangladesh sparked anger and protests in India. On December 18, a 27-year-old Hindu laborer was lynched in Mymensingh district for alleged blasphemy.
Days later, a 29-year-old man from Pangsha area of Rajbari was attacked by villagers over allegations of extortion and later died in hospital.
These incidents come at a time when Bangladesh is already facing political instability. The situation worsened after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country last year following attacks on her party offices and official residence. She was later granted asylum in India.
After his departure, the Parliament of Bangladesh was dissolved and a caretaker government was formed. Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead the transition. The country is now preparing for new elections, scheduled for February 2026.
KKR could consider three foreign seamers as possible replacements for Mustafizur Rahman
If the BCCI decides to ban Bangladeshi players and Kolkata Knight Riders are forced to look for a replacement, they might consider a few foreign fast bowlers.
Alzarri Joseph is doing quite well in franchise cricket. The 29-year-old pacer took 4 wickets in 6 matches in CPL 2025 and followed it up with 12 wickets in 8 matches in PSL 2025. He previously played in IPL 2024 for RCB, where he picked up 1 wicket in 3 matches.
Jhye Richardson has struggled with injuries in recent years, but recently returned to action. He showed good signs by taking 2 wickets in the Boxing Day Test. Richardson played one match for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, but remained wicketless.
KKR could also be interested in Spencer Johnson, a bowler they released earlier due to fitness concerns. Johnson played 4 matches in IPL 2025 and took 1 wicket. He is currently injured and missed the BBL, but if he recovers before IPL 2026, he could still be considered.
Also read: PCB to sell 2 new PSL teams for less than Rishabh Pant-Shreyas Iyer’s combined IPL salary
