Shiv Sena (UBT) leader says he got death threats after opposing Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Sunday (January 4, 2026) alleged that he received death threats after publicly opposing the inclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Mr. Dubey said the calls came from Bangladesh-based numbers, after he had reiterated his party’s stand that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in India amid political and human rights concerns in the neighbouring country.

“Last night around 10:30 p.m,, I got several WhatsApp calls. They abused me and my family and threatened that my country would be destroyed,” he told reporters. He approached the Samta Nagar police station, where a non-cognisable complaint was registered, and the police assured him of security and began investigating the matter. “We are not afraid. Expressing our views within democratic limits is our right. If they can threaten me, imagine the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh,” he said.

Mr. Dubey had earlier welcomed the decision to drop Mr. Rahman from the KKR squad, saying his party had demanded the player’s boycott soon after his inclusion was announced. “Even if the decision came late, it is welcome. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) acted and directed KKR to release him,” he said. He also invoked the Shiv Sena’s ideological stance, referring to Balasaheb Thackeray, Hindutva and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while asserting that the party would continue to oppose countries that “conspired against India”.

KKR had signed Mr. Rahman for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. However, his selection triggered criticism from political groups and sections of the public, who cited the alleged persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Following the backlash, the BCCI confirmed that the franchise was asked to release the player and would be allowed a replacement.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision was taken “in view of recent developments” and assured KKR that it could seek a replacement. In a statement, KKR said the move followed due process and consultations with the Board.