The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 have already concluded, and players have returned to international cricket. Amidst this, the work for the forthcoming season for some franchises has already started, as the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) appointed Zubin Bharucha as their new Director of Performance. He has been associated with the IPL previously with different franchises.
However, one of the most shocking facts is that he was listed among a group of individuals who signed a civil society mercy petition opposing the death penalty for 26/11 Mumbai attacks terrorist Ajmal Kasab ahead of his execution in 2012.
Why is Zubin Bharucha trending after joining Mumbai Indians?
Zubin Bharucha has worked with Rajasthan Royals (RR) since the beginning of the tournament in various roles, except for two years, when he worked with Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). Under him, RR saw amazing success in bringing new talents like Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and, most recently, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. This showcases his talent in identifying young talent.
Zubin Bharucha is trending after the appointment as the Director of Performance of MI, and also for his indirect connection with Ajmal Kasab. He has the responsibility to work with Indian players during the off-season. Bharucha will work along with MI’s assistant coach Paras Mhambrey throughout the year, and coordinate with the MI coaching staff to achieve the acquired targets.
Bharucha has played age-group cricket for Mumbai (then Bombay) before breaking into the Ranji Trophy team in 1992-93; he featured in 17 first-class matches and 11 List A matches till his last appearance in the 1994-95 season.
After his playing career, he joined RR as team director in 2008 and remained there till he joined the Daredevils as technical director for two seasons (2016 and 2017), and then again returned to the Royals as director of cricket from 2018 to 2026.
Did Zubin Bharucha sign Ajmal Kasab’s mercy petition?
Back on November 26, 2008, a few Pakistani terrorists attacked several famous places and hospitals in Mumbai, which remains the darkest day in Indian history. Among them, Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab was caught alive by brave Mumbai Police personnel, led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, and was jailed after four years of imprisonment; the Supreme Court ordered the death penalty.
During that time, Bharucha was one of the 200+ signatories who submitted a public petition for the commutation of Kasab’s death sentence to life imprisonment, as they believed that the death penalty violates fundamental human dignity, regardless of the severity of the crime.
His name appeared among signatories to a public petition seeking commutation of the death sentence, which is not equivalent to evidence that he supported Kasab’s ideology or crimes.
Eventually, the President of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, rejected the mercy plea on November 5, 2012. Kasab was subsequently executed by hanging a few weeks later at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune.
What are fans saying about Zubin Bharucha’s Mumbai Indians appointment?
Meet Zubin Bharucha, former Cricket Director of Rajasthan Royals and now part of Mumbai Indians.
• In 2012 he signed a petition seeking mercy for Terrorist Ajmal Kasab.
• Ajmal Kasab was the lone surviving terrorist captured alive during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• 166… pic.twitter.com/ebfJgGAokA— 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18) August 22, 2026
U know who this guy is?
He had signed petition on the stopping of Kasabs Hanging
Ajmal Kasab was about to die after the court had given the verdict that time many lawyers politicians thinkers writers celebs signed petition to not hang him to death this Zubin was one as well 😡
— Factuall (@Amn_Smudge240) August 22, 2026
What a pick by MI
Same zubin bharucha ne
Ajmal kasab ki
Mercy petition sign ki thi https://t.co/GbCLxenbEf— खटाना भाई (@CricwormAnna) August 22, 2026
Look who has Mumabi Indians hired 👇👇 https://t.co/5MTM2Sp3sR
— AdityaRRaj (@RR_for_LIFE) August 22, 2026
Appointing someone who literally signed mercy petition for Kasab btw 🥲🥲
“Mumbai” “Indians” https://t.co/yc1c1FWYCV
— Mohammad Modi (@ClassicalBatter) August 22, 2026