Spiritual Leader Devki Nandan Thakur Sparks Controversy Over Inclusion of Bangladeshi Player in IPL Team KKR

Renowned spiritual preacher Devki Nandan Thakur has triggered a major controversy by strongly opposing the inclusion of a Bangladeshi cricketer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), specifically targeting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and its owner Shah Rukh Khan.

Addressing a religious gathering in Mathura, Thakur alleged that no Bangladeshi player should be allowed to participate in the IPL. He claimed that after verification, only one Bangladeshi player had been selected in the league and accused KKR’s ownership of facilitating the inclusion.

Without naming the player directly, Thakur made pointed remarks against the KKR management, saying that if the Bangladeshi cricketer was not removed from the team, a boycott of KKR by Hindus should be initiated. He further warned that public support had made KKR and its owner successful and that the same public could also withdraw that support.

During his address, Thakur urged the KKR management to immediately drop the Bangladeshi player from the squad, linking the issue to national sentiment and emotional appeals. He also asked the audience to raise their hands in support of sending the player back to Bangladesh, which many reportedly did.

Escalating his rhetoric, Thakur stated that failure to act would result in large-scale protests and warned of serious consequences if his demands were ignored. His remarks, including references to violence and communal sentiments, have drawn sharp reactions and raised concerns over the politicisation of sports.

The statements have gone viral on social media, triggering widespread debate on whether religion, politics, and nationality should influence participation in professional sporting leagues like the IPL.

As of now, KKR management and Shah Rukh Khan have not issued any official response to the remarks. Cricket analysts and legal experts have emphasized that the IPL operates under the regulations of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), which permit foreign players based on eligibility and contractual norms.

The controversy continues to intensify, with calls from various quarters urging restraint and the separation of sports from political or communal agendas.