Kolkata Knight Riders, popularly known as KKR, is a franchise cricket team representing the city of Kolkata in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and her husband, Jay Mehta. The historic Eden Gardens Stadium serves as the home ground of KKR. Thanks to its celebrity ownership, KKR enjoys immense popularity.
On February 20, 2008, during the IPL team auction held in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan's company, Red Chillies Entertainment, acquired the Kolkata franchise. Former Indian national team captain Sourav Ganguly was named the team's icon player.
Ahead of IPL 2025, KKR retained four players from their IPL 2024-winning squad before participating in the mega auction. Notable acquisitions included Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. The retained players were Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
The franchise appointed veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane as captain for the IPL 2025 season.
KKR first qualified for the IPL playoffs in 2011. They won their maiden IPL title in 2012 by defeating the Chennai Super Kings in the final and clinched their second championship in 2014 with a victory over Kings XI Punjab. Currently, KKR holds the title of reigning IPL champions, having lifted the trophy in 2024.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Bangladesh cricket team's decision to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The decision follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rejection of a plea to shift Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was defeated 14-2 in a board vote. The speaker notes, 'The Bangladesh interim government had a chance to put cricket ahead of their shallow ego and politics but the latter eclipsed better sense and logic.' Bangladesh cited security concerns for its players and fans as the primary reason for the boycott, claiming a lack of fresh assurances from the BCCI or the Indian government. Consequently, Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team, will replace Bangladesh in the tournament starting 7th February. The report highlights that this is the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position following tensions linked to the release of Mustafizur Rehman from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
This special report details the unprecedented decision by the Bangladesh interim government to boycott the T20 World Cup in India. The speaker notes, 'Bangladesh has clearly chosen politics over cricket at this point of time, boycotting the T20 World Cup despite the ICC security assurances.' The fallout of this decision is immediate, with Scotland set to replace Bangladesh as the highest-ranked non-qualified team. The report highlights that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) lost an ICC board vote 14-2 regarding a venue change, with only Pakistan supporting them. Tensions reportedly escalated after the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman. Despite the ICC providing security guarantees, the interim government cited 'genuine security risks' and a preference for the tournament to be moved to Sri Lanka. This marks the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving the future of Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position as the global tournament faces significant controversy.
The big talking point of this episode of India First is Bangladesh's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup in India over security concerns.
On this news bulletin, sports analyst Vikram Sathaye discusses the escalating tension between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Addressing the host Gaurav, Vikram confirms that the window for Bangladesh to play in Sri Lanka has effectively closed, stating, 'The ship has sailed, Gaurav. In fact, yesterday, when the ICC voted 14-2 in favour of retaining the original schedule, it meant that Bangladesh's demand wasn't met.' The discussion highlights the BCB Chairman Aminul Islam's reaction to a 24-hour ultimatum provided by the ICC and the internal conflict regarding government involvement in the decision-making process. Vikram points out the contradiction in Islam's statements, noting that while the Chairman initially requested time to consult the government, he later questioned the ICC's authority to issue an ultimatum. The segment also touches upon the safety concerns and national prestige associated with the team, particularly following Mustafizur's exclusion from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
In this special report, India Today's Nitin Srivastava details the controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman's release by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The BCCI directed KKR to release Mustafizur, who was bought for ₹9.2 crore, citing 'developments all around' amid diplomatic tensions. Srivastava explains that the pacer is unlikely to receive any financial compensation as he did not attend the training camp or play any matches. The segment also touches on the criticism faced by KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan and the reaction from Bangladesh.
Following the Bangladesh government's decision to ban the Indian Premier League (IPL) telecast indefinitely, sports analyst Nikhil Naz provides an in-depth analysis.
In this transcript, an unidentified speaker discusses the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) request for a 'hybrid model' for the T20 World Cup. The speaker states that the board is ready to play India but prefers matches to be moved out of the country due to safety concerns for players. The individual mentions that the decision is influenced by government directives and cites the release of a player, likely Mustafizur Rahman, from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for security reasons. The speaker also notes that the team was scheduled to play three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai.
In this special broadcast, the focus is on the escalating diplomatic and sporting tension between India and Bangladesh. The controversy stems from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly releasing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman following political pressure. In a retaliatory move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The programme features a discussion on the implications of this decision, comparing it to Pakistan's stance, and explores whether politics is overshadowing the spirit of the game. Experts debate if this sets a dangerous precedent for global sports and if the IPL brand value could suffer due to such geopolitical exclusions.
In a major geopolitical escalation affecting cricket, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced it will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The decision follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. The BCCI cited 'recent developments' and safety concerns for the directive. The move has triggered a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, speaking exclusively to India Today, expressed sadness over the developments.
Former India cricketer **Atul Wassan** supports the BCCI’s decision to exclude Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026, calling it a justified response to public sentiment. Speaking on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) threat to boycott T20 World Cup matches in India, Wassan dismisses it as "shadow boxing" and argues that Indian cricket will not be isolated. NTV Sports Editor Barshan Kabir also joins to discuss the political pressure behind the BCB's stance.
In a discussion on the diplomatic fallout affecting cricket, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan weighs in on the controversy surrounding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Wassan argues that targeting KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for the franchise's initial bid for a Bangladeshi player is 'totally wrong' and 'unfair,' describing the actor as a 'low-hanging fruit' for public sentiment. He contends that while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have taken the right step given the current 'political turmoil' and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, removing a single player is merely 'shadow boxing' and will not solve the broader issues. The show, hosted by Nikhil Naz, also touches on the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to move matches to Sri Lanka and the revocation of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the major decision by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to not play the T20 World Cup on Indian soil. The move follows the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to security concerns. A former India cricketer supports the BCCI's stance, citing public sentiment, while a guest from Bangladesh highlights the political pressure driving the BCB's decision. The programme explores the 'tit-for-tat' dynamics and the potential isolation of cricket teams amidst rising political tensions.
A major controversy is brewing in the world of cricket, as reported by India Today. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move all of its T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing 'security threats to some of their players'. This development follows the recent controversy where Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman was released by his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly under pressure on the BCCI. The BCB's request mirrors a similar move by Pakistan, which has already arranged for its matches to be played in the tournament's joint-host nation, Sri Lanka. The ICC has not yet made a decision on the BCB's request to have its matches rescheduled in Sri Lanka.
In this Special Report, India Today’s Principal Correspondent Anirban Sinha Roy details the escalating cricketing diplomatic row as Bangladesh refuses to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The decision follows the Bangladesh Interim Government’s directive to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to seek a venue shift to Sri Lanka. The move comes after the BCCI reportedly asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, citing attacks on Hindus in the neighbouring country. Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul termed the BCCI’s stance a ‘communal policy’ in a social media post. The report highlights the logistical challenges for the ICC, with matches originally scheduled at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens now in limbo.
In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, the BCCI has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive, citing 'recent developments' and the ongoing anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. The decision follows a political storm where BJP leader Sangeet Som called KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan a 'traitor' for buying the player during the auction. The bulletin also covers the upcoming squad announcement for the India vs New Zealand ODI series.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has confirmed that the board instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. Speaking to India Today, Saikia cited 'recent developments' and diplomatic tensions as the primary reasons for the directive, assuring the franchise that a replacement player would be permitted. The bulletin features comprehensive analysis from Sports Editor Vikrant Gupta, who terms the decision a 'corrective measure' following public outrage and backlash against KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Additionally, political leaders Sangeet Som and Anand Dubey express support for the move, highlighting national sentiments and the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. Former cricketer Madan Lal also weighs in, stating that while politics in sports is unfortunate, national interests must come first.
Former India cricketer Madan Lal claims the BCCI was arm-twisted into forcing KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman. He warns politics is intruding into sport, leaving players unfairly caught amid sensitive cross-border tensions and controversies debates.
The big focus of this episode of India First is on political controversy after Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) purchased Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
A survey by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority, under the state's Congress-led government, finds that 91.31% of respondents believe Indian elections are free and fair, a direct contradiction to 'vote theft' allegations concerning EVMs.
In this news bulletin, India Today anchor Shreya Dhoundial and Deputy Editor Shivani Sharma report on the escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting the brutal attack on businessman Khokon Chandradas. Amidst these atrocities, a major controversy has erupted in India over the IPL 2026 auction. BJP leader Sangeet Som has launched a scathing attack on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a ‘traitor’ for signing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore. Som stated, ‘Shahrukh Khan jaise dauddar... This will not work at all.’ The programme also features Principal Correspondent Santosh Sharma, who provides context on the political slugfest, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) joining the attack and Congress leader Priyank Kharge defending the move by questioning the BCCI’s policy.
