Dhaka/New Delhi: The Bangladesh government has officially barred the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 across the country, triggering a major sporting and diplomatic ripple effect between Dhaka and New Delhi. The move comes days after the BCCI-directed withdrawal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the tournament.
In an official communication, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the decision was taken after observing that no clear explanation was shared regarding Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the IPL squad, a development the ministry said had deeply upset the public. The ministry stated that the ban was imposed “in the interest of the public.”
The order was formally signed by Assistant Secretary Firoz Khan.
First-Ever IPL Telecast Ban in Bangladesh
The IPL has been aired in Bangladesh continuously since its launch in 2008, making this the first instance of the government halting the broadcast of an international cricket league in the country. Industry observers say this is also among the rare cases globally where a cricket league telecast has been blocked due to diplomatic and political sensitivities.
Government Voices and Internal Review
Earlier, Dr Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Bangladesh government on sports affairs, publicly stated that the IPL should not be shown in the country. Following his remarks, Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan clarified that any final action would be taken only after assessing legal grounds and procedural aspects.
The government’s position hardened after subsequent developments involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
BCB Seeks ICC Intervention
On Sunday evening, the BCB confirmed it has approached the ICC, requesting that Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India be relocated, with Sri Lanka emerging as a possible alternative host. In parallel, the board has also written to the BCCI, seeking a formal clarification on Mustafizur Rahman’s sudden exit from the IPL.
KKR Released Mustafizur Following BCCI Direction
Mustafizur Rahman was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL auction held in December. However, on Saturday, the franchise confirmed that the left-arm pacer was released following instructions from the BCCI.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia cited “recent developments” as the reason but stopped short of providing further details, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the decision.
Political Backdrop and Rising Tensions
Over the past week, several Indian spiritual and political leaders reportedly criticised KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Mustafizur amid allegations of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. These remarks have further strained bilateral relations, already under pressure in recent months.
Bangladesh Players and IPL History
Despite the long-standing unofficial exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL, Bangladeshi cricketers have regularly featured in the league. Mustafizur Rahman has been a consistent presence since 2016, while Shakib Al Hasan remains the most prominent Bangladeshi name associated with IPL success.
Other Bangladesh players who have appeared in past seasons include Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Abdur Razzak, and Litton Das.
What Lies Ahead
The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, but uncertainty looms over its broadcast in Bangladesh and the venue allocation for Bangladesh’s World Cup matches. No final decision has yet been announced by the ICC.
For now, the IPL ban marks a significant escalation, highlighting how cricket continues to intersect with diplomacy and regional politics.
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