Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the BCCI's decision to have Kolkata Knight Riders release Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026. Tharoor questioned the politicization of sport, arguing Rahman is being punished for political developments in Bangladesh beyond his control. The move followed reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, with the BCCI reportedly instructing KKR to terminate the player's contract. Tharoor warned against mixing sport and politics, suggesting such actions could harm the game's spirit.