Indian Premier League (IPL) sources have indicated that Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive any financial compensation after being dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The franchise had purchased him for 9.2 crore rupees in the auction but released him following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid protests by Hindu nationalist groups. According to IPL insiders, the league’s insurance policy does not cover such situations, leaving Mustafizur without a clear path to payment.

An IPL-linked source told PTI that player salaries are insured only for injuries or on-field performance issues, which do not apply in this case. Therefore, KKR has no legal obligation to pay him. The source added that Mustafizur’s only option would be legal action under Indian law, though foreign players rarely pursue such cases, even through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The current political climate between India and Bangladesh is seen as another obstacle to any legal move, with sources suggesting that uncertainty in bilateral relations discourages players from taking such steps.

Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticized his country’s authorities for the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a move that has heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh. In a post on X, Tharoor said the embarrassing situation was self-inflicted, calling the decision to drop Mustafizur unnecessary and unreasonable.

Speaking to the Indian Express, Tharoor argued that Bangladesh should not be equated with Pakistan, noting that Bangladesh does not send terrorists across the border and that India’s diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh is fundamentally different. His remarks came after Kolkata Knight Riders removed Mustafizur from their squad following directives from the Indian cricket board.

Mustafizur had been bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for 92 million rupees in the 2026 IPL auction, the highest fee ever for a Bangladeshi player. The controversy arose after some Indian political groups and religious organizations questioned his participation, citing allegations of persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck Assam in northern India early Monday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred near the surface, with its epicenter located about three kilometers outside Dhing village, close to the Bhutan border. Tremors were felt at 4:17 a.m. local time (10:47 p.m. GMT on Sunday).

The USGS reported that although strong shaking was experienced in the area, the region’s relatively low population density is expected to limit the extent of damage. No immediate reports of casualties or major destruction have been received so far.

The Himalayan region is known for frequent seismic activity, with several major earthquakes recorded in India’s history. Notably, the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake killed around 4,800 people, and the 1897 “Great Assam Earthquake” remains one of the most powerful in the country’s history, causing hundreds of deaths in remote mountain areas.

After a gap of 34 years, the World Ijtema is being held in West Bengal’s Puinan village under the Dhaniakhali constituency of Hooghly district. The event began on January 2, 2026, and will conclude on January 5 at noon, covering an area of about 60 square kilometers. Millions of devotees from various Indian states and other countries have joined the congregation, with around 10 to 12 lakh people attending Friday prayers.

Local authorities have arranged extensive facilities for the participants, including a temporary 170-bed hospital near the Ijtema grounds, staffed round the clock by doctors and health workers. Dhaniakhali MLA Asima Patra stated that both the administration and local representatives have ensured all necessary arrangements for the visitors and emphasized that the event has no political connection.

Participants such as Kamal Uddin from Biratnagar, Nepal, expressed their devotion, noting that they have attended multiple Ijtemas in different locations to listen to religious teachings.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise confirmed the decision in a press release, stating that it acted on BCCI’s instructions. According to the report, the Indian government ordered the cricket board to exclude Mustafizur, allegedly to appease hardline Hindu nationalist groups that had opposed his inclusion.

The controversy has sparked widespread criticism in Bangladesh and beyond, with many fans condemning the move as politically motivated. BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia told Indian media that the directive came from the government. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to issue an official response, saying it has not received formal communication from BCCI. Meanwhile, Hindu nationalist leaders in India have publicly praised the decision, framing it as a victory for Hindu sentiment.

The incident has raised questions about the politicization of cricket and the safety of Bangladeshi players ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled in India next month.

Police in India-administered Kashmir have placed cricketer Furkanul Haq under surveillance after a video showing him playing with a Palestinian flag sticker on his helmet went viral on social media. Authorities summoned him for questioning on Friday and initiated a 14-day preliminary inquiry to verify the facts, his intent, and any possible links. Police said the action was taken considering the sensitivity of the issue and its potential impact on public order. Under Indian law, such an inquiry can be launched with approval from a deputy superintendent for offenses punishable by three to seven years in prison.

The incident occurred during a Jammu and Kashmir Champions League match in Muthi, Jammu, where Haq represented JK Eleven Kings against Jammu Trail Blazers. Reports said he was asked to leave the field after opposing players objected to the helmet sticker. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association clarified that the matter involved local players and had no connection with the organization.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed support for Palestine on social media following the incident.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that nearly 2,000 Indian nationals were pushed into Bangladesh over the past three months under a new deportation policy. The move follows rulings by Assam’s Foreigners Tribunals declaring individuals as illegal foreigners, after which they are expelled within seven days. The policy, implemented using a 1950 law, aims to prevent prolonged legal appeals. On December 31 alone, 18 people were reportedly sent across the border.

Currently, 100 Foreigners Tribunals are active in Assam to identify alleged foreigners. Critics claim many of these tribunals issue one-sided rulings, and while some individuals win appeals in the High Court, most cannot afford to challenge the verdicts and end up in detention camps. Reports suggest that some deportees have been returned by Bangladeshi border forces, while others have been jailed in Bangladesh.

Legal experts and human rights groups have questioned the legality of using the 1950 “Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Order,” arguing that it was created in a different historical context and is unconstitutional in today’s reality.

India’s top business magnates, including Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, are facing mounting challenges under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term. Expectations that his administration would strengthen U.S.-India relations have faded as tariffs on Indian goods were doubled to 50 percent, following Trump’s frustration over India’s continued oil imports from Russia. The move has directly impacted Indian trade and strained diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Washington.

Ambani’s Reliance Industries, which profited from refining discounted Russian crude, has been hit hard by new U.S. trade measures. Adani, meanwhile, faces corruption allegations in U.S. courts, with cases filed by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite lobbying efforts and investments aimed at improving relations, both businessmen are struggling to gain traction with the Trump administration. Analysts note that early optimism about a close Trump-Modi partnership has given way to disappointment as U.S. attention toward India wanes.

Indian business circles now hope that a new trade agreement could ease tensions and reduce tariffs, though many acknowledge that earlier assumptions about Trump’s unwavering support were unrealistic.

Authorities in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh have issued demolition notices for 22 houses and shops near the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, alleging illegal construction on land recorded as a cemetery. The district administration has identified the land as government property and served notices to 48 residents, mostly Muslims and small traders, instructing them to respond within 15 days or face bulldozer action. The move followed a recent land survey that officials said revealed unauthorized structures on the cemetery plot.

The notices have sparked fear and anger among local Muslim residents, who claim their families have lived there for decades and accuse the administration of acting hastily. Residents said the threat of bulldozers has created panic, especially among women and children. Local leaders have demanded transparency and restraint, saying they respect the law but seek fairness and time to present their documents.

Earlier, the Allahabad High Court declined to halt the land survey, allowing residents to raise objections before revenue officials. The situation remains tense as community members prepare legal responses amid growing unease.

Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision reportedly stems from political instability between India and Bangladesh and pressure from several hardline Hindu nationalist groups in India. The move has sparked anger among former Indian cricketers and politicians.

Former World Cup-winning cricketer Madan Lal expressed deep concern over growing political interference in sports, saying players are the ones most affected. He noted that BCCI’s decisions are rarely challenged, even by franchise owners. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif described the issue as sensitive and urged the media to remain patient while the board handles the matter. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized linking cricket with political or religious issues, arguing that excluding players like Mustafizur could harm regional cooperation and India’s sporting image.

The controversy highlights increasing overlap between politics and cricket in the region, with calls for greater tolerance and separation of sports from political disputes.

Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the exclusion of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad. Following the decision, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Som thanked the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Social media users identifying with Hindu nationalist ideology expressed joy over the move, posting celebratory and derogatory comments about Bangladeshi players and artists.

In an interview with NDTV, Sangeet Som criticized actor Shah Rukh Khan for previously including Mustafizur in the team, calling the decision wrong and claiming it hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. Som also accused Bangladesh of attacks on Hindus and labeled Shah Rukh Khan a traitor. Som, a former legislator from Uttar Pradesh’s Sardhana constituency, has faced serious allegations related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

Reports indicate that speculation about Mustafizur’s removal had circulated for days, with some extremist activists threatening to damage pitches if he played. The announcement has now confirmed those concerns.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a letter expressing support for Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University student and human rights activist currently imprisoned in India. The handwritten letter was delivered to Khalid’s parents and became public on Thursday, though it had been written several days earlier. In the letter, Mamdani reflected on Khalid’s difficult experiences and praised his resilience, noting his meeting with Khalid’s parents.

Umar Khalid has been held in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for nearly six years under anti-terrorism charges related to alleged conspiracy in the 2020 communal violence in Delhi. Although the Delhi High Court released him from one case, he remains detained in another, with multiple bail requests denied.

Separately, eight members of the U.S. Congress sent a joint letter to India’s ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, expressing concern about Khalid’s situation. These lawmakers also met with Khalid’s parents in December 2025.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially released Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise confirmed the decision in a statement, saying it acted in accordance with BCCI’s instructions and procedures before the next phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI has also allowed KKR to select a replacement player under IPL regulations.

BCCI secretary Debajit Saikia told India’s news agency ANI from Guwahati on January 3 that the board instructed KKR to remove Mustafizur from their squad due to political pressure and controversy surrounding his participation in the IPL. Saikia explained that although the board initially adopted a “wait and watch” approach, it ultimately made a difficult decision to resolve the issue.

The controversy intensified after a BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh labeled KKR co-owner and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan a “traitor” for signing Mustafizur. Several self-proclaimed spiritual figures in India also criticized Khan over the matter.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad. The directive was confirmed on January 3, 2026, in Guwahati by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who cited political pressure and controversy surrounding Mustafizur’s participation in the tournament.

According to Saikia, the BCCI initially adopted a ‘wait and watch’ approach but ultimately decided to remove the player due to escalating political tensions between India and Bangladesh. He added that KKR would be allowed to select a replacement player with BCCI’s approval. The issue gained attention after some Indian political figures and self-proclaimed spiritual leaders criticized KKR’s decision to sign Mustafizur, with one BJP leader labeling team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan a ‘traitor’.

The decision marks a rare instance of political disputes directly influencing IPL team composition, raising questions about the tournament’s insulation from external pressures.

A video from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi police station has gone viral showing Station House Officer Ajay Sharma pressing a smartphone against a resident’s back and claiming to determine whether the person is Indian or Bangladeshi. The incident, which took place in a slum area, has triggered widespread criticism after being shared on social media. The video shows police accusing a family of being Bangladeshi despite their insistence and presentation of documents proving they are from Bihar’s Araria district.

The controversy comes amid repeated warnings from India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi about identifying illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Following the uproar, Ghaziabad police ordered a high-level investigation into the authenticity of the video and the conduct of the officers involved. The inquiry has been assigned to the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Indirapuram Circle.

Police sources said such operations are usually conducted to maintain public safety in sensitive areas, but the unusual method and alleged harassment have drawn sharp public scrutiny.