Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge defended Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise after criticism for including a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. Kharge stated that player inclusion is governed by BCCI rules and questioned why the BJP, which he accused of politicizing the issue, doesn't question the BCCI or the Home Minister. He also pointed out instances where India played Pakistan and IPL matches were held in Islamic countries, suggesting selective nationalism by the BJP.