MUMBAI, Jan. 2 -- Shah Rukh Khan has been pulled into a heated political row after his IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), signed Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman - a move that has triggered sharp reactions across India, The Statesman reported.

The backlash began when Hindu religious leader Devkinandan Thakur questioned KKR's decision, citing reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

The criticism escalated yesterday when BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som accused Shah Rukh Khan, one of KKR's co-owners, of betraying the country.

"People like Shah Rukh Khan are traitors; they eat in India and sing praises of Pakistan and Bangladesh," Som told ANI, adding that Mustafizur "won't be able to step outside the airport" if he c...