KKR’s Decision to Drop Mustafizur Rahman Draws Sharp Criticism From Shashi Tharoor

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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticized the decision that led to Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman’s release from IPL franchise KKR, calling it “extremely unfortunate and unwise.” This step is taken during a delicate period when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh are not good due to the violence committed against minorities, which has been reported, and this brings to light the increasing mixing of politics with sports, and this question is also raised.

Backlash Over KKR Signing and Sudden Exit


Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in KKR sparked backlash from certain sections, eventually resulting in his exit from the team. The left-arm pacer was picked for Rs. 9.20 crore during the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi last month. His release quickly became a flashpoint, coinciding with heightened tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Tharoor Urges Separation of Sports and Politics


Speaking to ANI, Shashi Tharoor stressed that sport should not be dragged into political disputes. “At such a delicate moment, this seems to me to have been an extremely unfortunate and unwise decision,” he said. Tharoor added that politicising “even such a simple aspect as a private cricket game” sends the wrong signal during an already fragile phase in bilateral relations.

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India-Bangladesh Engagement Continues, Says Tharoor


Tharoor pointed out that diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh remains active despite tensions. “Our foreign minister was just there a couple of days ago, meeting the man who is widely expected to be the likely winner of the next election,” he said. He also noted that India has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to restore law and order.

Concerns Over Public Pressure and Policy Decisions


The Congress leader also expressed concern over social media outrage influencing decisions. “It is also troubling that we have seen the kind of social media outrage driving policy,” Tharoor said. Emphasising the unifying power of sports, he added, “When you have tensions with countries, sport becomes a good way of diffusing those tensions.”

Sporting Fallout With Diplomatic Consequences


The KKR decision has had wider implications, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board deciding not to send its team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. Compared to past India-Bangladesh sporting ties that often eased tensions, this episode highlights how quickly politics can disrupt cricketing exchanges, potentially deepening diplomatic unease.

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