IPL 2026 under threat? After Bangladesh lynching, India's religious leaders vow to attack venues of KKR matches featuring Mustafizur Rahman

Three months still remain for the next edition of the Indian Premier League but a major point of concern is already brewing within the stables of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The topic is regarding Bangladesh's veteran pacer Mustafizur Rahman who was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL 2026 Auctions on December 16.

Over the last two weeks, the political situation in Bangladesh has worsened, especially after the large-scale attacks on Hindus residing in the country. In such a scenario, Mustafizur's participation in IPL 2026 has hit a roadblock with religious leaders from Ujjain issuing a major threat against the Bangladesh fast bowler.

According to IANS, senior leaders have vowed to invade the venues of KKR's matches that feature Mustafizur in the playing XI. Chief priest of Rinmukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Mahavir Nath, has given an open statement that he and his men would take serious action since the BCCI and other authorities are staying silent on this issue, despite the continuous persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

IANS also states that more religious organizations are set to join Nath's people in these protests. Mustafizur is the only Bangladesh cricketer to get an IPL contract at the 2026 auctions in Abu Dhabi. While the BCCI are yet to make any official statements, this topic could require careful handling, given the sensitive nature of it.

Meanwhile, KKR has been facing heavy criticism for Mustafizur's purchase at the auction on social media. Over the last ten days, two separate incidents of Hindus being lynched to death in Bangladesh has sent shockwaves across the world. How BCCI plans to handle this issue is anybody's guess but some clarity is expected on this before the start of IPL 2026.