Dhaka/New Delhi: Jan 5, 2026 — The Bangladesh government has ordered an indefinite ban on the broadcast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country following a heated controversy over the removal of national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.
Bangladesh Ban on IPL Telecast, In an official directive issue on Monday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announce the Bangladesh IPL ban, stating that all IPL telecasts — including live coverage, reruns, promotional content and related events — shall be suspend with immediate effect and will remain halt until further notice. The Bangladesh IPL ban was describe as being issue “in the public interest” and approve by the appropriate authorities.
The move comes amid mounting public anger in Bangladesh over Mustafizur’s exclusion just weeks before the IPL 2026 season begins on March 26. According to the government statement, the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct KKR to release Mustafizur was deemed “lacking any logical reason” and has “distres, shock and anger the people of Bangladesh.”
Controversy Triggers Broad Backlash
Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s premier fast bowlers and the only national player select in this year’s IPL draft, was sign by KKR for a significant sum at the December auction. However, the signing drew immediate criticism from certain political groups in India and spark a broader diplomatic dispute, which culminate in the BCCI directing KKR to remove him from the squad.
Bangladesh officials say they were not provided with a clear explanation for the decision, which fueled widespread debate among fans, former players and commentators across the country. The government noted that the situation has now gone beyond sport and touched on deeper issues of national pride and respect.
Cricketing Diplomacy Takes a Hit
Bangladesh Ban on IPL Telecast, The broadcast ban marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring nations over cricketing relations. In addition to the telecast suspension, reports indicate that Bangladesh’s cricket board is reconsidering its team’s participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — currently scheduled to include fixtures in India. Officials cited concerns over player safety and the broader diplomatic climate.
Sources say the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held emergency meetings following Mustafizur’s release and has advised the national squad to stay away from India if assurances about security are not clarified. Talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) are reportedly ongoing to explore neutral hosting options for the team’s matches.
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Officials
Public response in Bangladesh has been intense, with social media buzzing and cricket stakeholders questioning the fairness of decisions that impact international players. Some commentators and former cricketers have criticised the handling of the situation, calling for clearer communication between cricketing boards and greater respect for international athletes.
In India, reactions have be mix — with some voices emphasising that cricket should remain separate from politics, while others highlight growing sensitivities surrounding player participation in international leagues.
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What’s Next?
Bangladesh Ban on IPL Telecast, As the IPL season draws closer, the ban raises questions about cross-border cricket viewership and the broader relationship between Bangladesh and Indian cricket institutions. With negotiations reportedly underway between cricketing authorities, fans from both countries are eagerly awaiting clarity on whether the telecast suspension could be lifted and how Bangladesh’s team will approach global events hosted by India in the coming months.
