Unease within the ruling coalition has spilled into the sporting arena after several Bharatiya Janata Party allies publicly questioned the decision by Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the franchise’s squad, arguing that the move was avoidable and risked conflating cricket with diplomatic strain.Leaders from Janata Dal and Telugu Desam Party, both key partners in the National Democratic Alliance, said the franchise’s action had invited unnecessary political interpretation at a time when relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been under pressure following reports of communal violence in Bangladesh that included the deaths of several Hindus. While acknowledging public sensitivities, they maintained that professional sporting contracts should not be reshaped by geopolitical anxieties unless mandated by governing bodies or security agencies.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed earlier this week that Rahman would no longer be part of the squad for the ongoing season, citing “team balance and availability considerations”. The franchise did not explicitly link the decision to diplomatic developments, but the timing of the announcement prompted speculation across political and cricketing circles. Rahman, one of Bangladesh’s most recognisable international cricketers, has been a regular presence in franchise leagues around the world and has previously represented KKR with notable success.
JD spokespersons said the decision risked sending an unintended signal. One senior leader noted that sporting exchanges have historically served as a stabilising bridge during periods of political tension in South Asia, warning that abrupt exclusions could harden public opinion on both sides. The Telugu Desam Party echoed that view, with a party functionary stating that the removal of an overseas player on grounds not transparently linked to performance or fitness created room for “avoidable controversy”.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has not issued an official statement on the matter, but party leaders privately indicated that franchise decisions fall outside the government’s remit. They stressed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the league’s governing council operate independently, and that franchises are entitled to make squad choices based on competitive strategy. At the same time, they acknowledged that the optics of such decisions inevitably draw scrutiny when bilateral relations are strained.
Diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have faced a testing period following violent incidents targeting minority communities in Bangladesh, prompting strong reactions from political groups and civil society organisations. Authorities in Dhaka have condemned the attacks and announced investigations, while New Delhi has conveyed its concerns through diplomatic channels. Against this backdrop, actions perceived as punitive towards Bangladeshi nationals attract heightened attention, even when driven by commercial or sporting logic.
Cricket analysts pointed out that Rahman’s exclusion coincided with a broader reshuffle of overseas slots within KKR’s squad. The franchise has several international bowlers competing for limited places, and management has previously rotated players based on pitch conditions and tactical match-ups. Former players said such decisions are routine in franchise cricket, where short tournaments and high stakes force rapid changes.
However, the political reaction underscores how cricket in the region often extends beyond sport. Coalition allies cautioned that drawing international players into domestic political narratives could have longer-term implications for league diplomacy and player participation. Franchise leagues rely heavily on global talent, and perceptions of political risk can influence player availability and insurance costs.
Voices within the cricketing establishment also urged restraint. Administrators familiar with league operations said franchises should be mindful of communication during sensitive periods, even when decisions are purely sporting. Clear articulation of performance metrics, fitness updates, or scheduling constraints can help limit misinterpretation.