Shah Rukh Khan Faces Backlash in India Over Signing Pakistani Cricketers for CPL Team

According to reports, Shah Rukh has signed fast bowler Mohammad Amir and off-spinner Mohammad Usman Tariq for the upcoming CPL season.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is facing intense criticism from Indian social media users after signing two Pakistani cricketers for his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

According to reports, Shah Rukh has signed fast bowler Mohammad Amir and off-spinner Mohammad Usman Tariq for the upcoming CPL season. Amir is no stranger to the league, having already played four seasons in the past, claiming 51 wickets in 39 matches at an impressive average of 18.09.

Meanwhile, Usman Tariq is set to make his debut on West Indian soil. The off-spinner gained attention during PSL 2025 with Quetta Gladiators, where he took 10 wickets in just 5 matches, showcasing remarkable form.

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The move, however, has triggered a wave of outrage on Indian social media platforms. Users have launched a campaign demanding Shah Rukh immediately terminate the contracts with the Pakistani players. Some Indian media outlets report that the actor may also face backlash from right-wing Hindu groups, who have previously targeted celebrities for engaging with Pakistani talent.

The situation mirrors recent events surrounding popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is currently under fire from Indian extremists for featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the trailer of his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. A campaign has reportedly been launched against Dosanjh, with threats and criticism mounting over his collaboration with a Pakistani co-star.

Both Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh now find themselves in the crosshairs of nationalist sentiment, as tensions over cross-border collaborations in entertainment and sports continue to simmer.