Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit, Calls It ‘Unwise’

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the decision by the BCCI directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the team. He described the move as “regrettable and unwise,” expressing concern over the increasing influence of social media outrage on policy decisions.

Rahman’s inclusion in the IPL squad had sparked strong reactions from various quarters amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, especially following violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. As a result, the franchise removed him from the team.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor emphasized that sports should remain separate from politics, and political failures should not be projected onto athletes. “The reality is that we are engaging with Bangladesh in multiple other ways. Our Foreign Minister recently visited Dhaka and met with the person considered a likely winner in the next elections,” he said.

He added, “It is concerning that policy decisions are increasingly influenced by social media outrage. Some matters should remain beyond such pressures.”

On the issue of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, Tharoor noted that India has already urged the country’s interim government to restore law and order and take action against unlawful groups on the streets. “In such a sensitive time, this decision seems highly regrettable and unwise. Even a seemingly simple aspect like a private cricket match is being politicized,” he said.

Advocating for the continuation of sports irrespective of political tensions, Tharoor stated, “Sports can serve as a bridge and help reduce tensions between nations. What has been done here has only increased stress and worsened the situation.”

Following the BCCI’s decision, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cited security concerns and government directives to announce that its national team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Additionally, the broadcast of IPL matches has been suspended in Bangladesh.