Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is facing severe criticism from right-wing circles in India after signing two Pakistani players, Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq, for his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise, Trinbago Knight Riders. The inclusion has sparked controversy amidst ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
According to Indian media reports, Shah Rukh’s CPL team has officially added Mohammad Amir, a veteran of four CPL seasons, and Usman Tariq, known for his strong performance in PSL 2025 where he claimed 10 wickets. This is the first time Amir will represent the Knight Riders, though he has played 39 CPL matches with 51 wickets in total.
The move has triggered outrage among Hindu extremist groups, who accuse Shah Rukh of acting “against national interest” by offering opportunities to Pakistani players. On social media, users and some political figures have labeled the decision as “unpatriotic,” with some issuing veiled threats.
The backlash comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a false flag operation in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In this volatile environment, the inclusion of Pakistani athletes in an Indian-owned franchise has become a political flashpoint.
So far, Shah Rukh Khan has not issued any official statement regarding the controversy. It’s worth noting that a total of five Pakistani cricketers were picked in the CPL 2025 draft, with Amir and Tariq being signed by the Trinbago Knight Riders, owned by the Bollywood actor.