Shah Rukh Khan spotted at Mumbai airport with family amid row over Bangladeshi cricketer's inclusion in IPL

Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was papped at the Mumbai airport arrivals early on Saturday. He was accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan, and daughter Suhana Khan. The trio was returning from a family vacation. Khan's appearance comes amid a growing controversy surrounding him and his IPL (Indian Premier League) team, KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders).

SRK spotted at Mumbai airport

In the wee hours of Saturday, Shah Rukh Khan was seen stepping out of the Mumbai airport. He was dressed in a black T-shirt, a grey hoodie, and a silver chain around his neck. He also wore a black beanie with a skull pattern and completed the look with black sunglasses. His daughter Suhana was seen in casual attire, while Gauri sported a semi-formal black outfit.

About the controversy

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has found himself at the centre of an escalating controversy over his IPL team KKR signing Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. Multiple political voices have spoken out, some slamming the decision, while others claimed Khan was being targeted for his Muslim identity.

Leaders of the BJP and Shiv Sena said they would not tolerate Rahman's inclusion in the IPL, citing alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP leader Sangeet Som said, "Buying players from there is treason against the country. People like Shah Rukh Khan are traitors."

Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde stated that the party's stand has always been against allowing anyone associated with atrocities against Hindus or terrorism to play in India. He urged the IPL governing body and the BCCI to ban such players.

Spiritual leader Rambhadracharya also criticised Shah Rukh Khan, calling his stance "anti-national," while Mathura-based katha speaker Devkinandan Thakur suggested that KKR remove the player and donate the auction amount to the relatives of Hindu victims.

However, several voices came out in support of the Chak De! India star. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said Shah Rukh Khan was being targeted because of his religion and called it an example of the BJP-RSS's "double-faced policy," noting that India continues to play cricket with Pakistan.

Jagtap also clarified that Shah Rukh Khan does not single-handedly select players, adding that team selections follow a formal process involving the franchise partners and are done with the concurrence of the ICC.