Dhaka: Bangladesh has ordered a ban on the telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country in retaliation to pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from the tournament.
The decision follows a diplomatic and sporting row triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s decision demanding the release of Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the 2026 season of the league, as reported by NDTV Sports.
Rahman is a veteran of the league and a national icon in Bangladesh. The BCCI did not provide any reason for its demand but it is clear that the board came under tremendous political pressure due to the deterioration of ties between India and Bangladesh, primarily over the attacks on minority Hindus in that country.
“In view of the subject, it is being informed that a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to light regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mr Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, scheduled to be held from 26 March 2026. No rational reason for such a decision by the Indian Cricket Board is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the Bangladesh government said in a statement.
“Under these circumstances, until further notice, a request is made as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programmes of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest,” it added.
This decision will also have an economic impact with sponsors treating the event as a major platform to advertise their products and services.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift its T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. The BCB formally notified the ICC on Sunday that it would not send its national team to India for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (scheduled to begin on February 07).
The BCB has requested the ICC to relocate their matches — originally slated for Mumbai and Kolkata — to Sri Lanka, citing a breakdown in trust regarding player security. This move threatens to create a “Pakistan-style” cricketing wall between India and Bangladesh, potentially ending bilateral series for the foreseeable future, the channel has reported.
The Indian cricket side is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in September this year. Sports lovers can only hope that the heat dies down before that.
