"Why were B'deshi players included in the IPL auction?": TMC's Jayprakash Majumdar blames BCCI, spares SRK

The decision of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh speedster Mustafizur Rahman on the BCCI's instructions has ignited a massive political row in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson and Vice President Jayaprakash Majumdar has come out strongly against the cricket board and the BJP, labeling the entire episode as an act of hypocrisy. Majumdar questioned why Bangladeshi players were included in the IPL auction in the first place if there were intentions to bar them later. He drew a parallel with Pakistani cricketers, asking why a similar blanket ban wasn't implemented if the situation was deemed so sensitive.

Majumdar further intensified his attack by stating that the BJP and its leadership effectively run the BCCI. He defended KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who had been facing severe backlash from various right-wing organizations for bidding for the Bangladeshi pacer. The TMC leader argued that it is unfair to target a franchise owner when the governing body itself cleared the players for the auction. "When the BJP has no one else to blame, they target Shah Rukh Khan," Majumdar remarked, adding that if anyone is responsible for the confusion, it is the board leadership.

The controversy stems from the escalating tensions in Bangladesh and reports of violence against minorities. Several Hindu organizations and leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena had demanded Mustafizur’s removal from the squad, citing national sentiment. KKR had originally secured the left-arm pacer for a record ₹9.20 crore after a fierce bidding war. However, citing these "recent developments," the BCCI directed the franchise to part ways with the player, promising them a replacement option for the 2026 season.