Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Priyank Kharge criticized the BCCI and BJP over the release of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026 season. Tharoor questioned the politicization of sports, arguing against holding an individual accountable for events in another country and warning that such actions could harm India's international relations. The decision followed scrutiny of Rahman due to reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a connection Tharoor deemed unfair and unjustified.