Did Shah Rukh Khan autographs trigger fight at Wankhede Stadium?

The ugly row between Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and Kolkata Knight Riders team owner Shah Rukh Khan may have been triggered off by the Bollywood superstar's refusal to oblige guests of some the MCA's officebearers, MiD DAY has learnt.

According to a source, the MCA officebearers were hurt that Shah Rukh didn't sign autographs or pose for pictures with some of their guests. "There were some guests of the MCA officebearers, who wanted to meet Shah Rukh Khan after the match. However, the actor seemed to be in a party mood after the win and did not entertain them. One of the guests who claimed to be a SRK fan, was wearing a Mumbai Indians jersey.

"To this, Shah Rukh said that if he indeed was a fan of his, then he should be wearing a KKR jersey. Shah Rukh then moved towards the ground accompanied by some of his daughter's (Suhana) friends.

"The MCA officials felt Shah Rukh was rude and thereafter objected to his presence on the ground after the match was over. That's when the matter escalated and things got out of hand," the source said.

Wednesday night's fracas will ensure Shah Rukh stays away from matches in Mumbai. It can be recalled that the crowd reportedly booed the star during the KKR vs Pune Warriors match at the DY Patil Stadium last season.

Shah Rukh miffed

While the MCA has banned Shah Rukh from entering the Wankhede Stadium for five years, the actor said he would not want to go to the Churchgate venue in future in any case. "If this is the kind of treatment meted out to people, then I will not go there. There were people rushing towards me aggressively. I think it's unpardonable that you manhandle kids in the name of security," he said.

MCA treasurer Ravi Savant said he would be happy if Shah Rukh does not come to the Wankhede in future. "If he doesn't come, we will be definitely happy. Discipline on a cricket ground is of primary importance and if he does not understand that, he does not understand the game and it's better he does not come here," he told reporters on Thursday.

"The way he behaved and the way he abused us, I will definitely propose a ban. There is unanimity that he be dealt with strictly," Savant added. Savant was in no mood to react to Shah Rukh's denial during a press conference at his Bandra home that he was drunk when the fight took place.

"It's not worth reacting. We had BCCI officials with us. We had police officers with us. We had MCA officials with us. I don't think I need to react to Shah Rukh's statement," Savant concluded.