Bangladesh Government's Controversial Ban on IPL Broadcasts Raises Tensions
The Bangladesh government has made a controversial decision to ban IPL broadcasts, citing public sentiment. This unprecedented move has strained relations with India, especially following criticisms of Kolkata Knight Riders' inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman amid rising tensions over attacks on Hindu minorities. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also requested the ICC to relocate their T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India. As the situation unfolds, the implications for international cricket and diplomatic relations are significant, drawing attention from cricket fans and officials alike.
| Jan 5, 2026, 21:17 IST
Bangladesh's Decision on IPL Broadcasts
According to a statement from Bangladesh's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, no specific reason was provided for the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. The ministry expressed that this decision has hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshi public, and it was made in the interest of the people. The statement was signed by the ministry's assistant secretary, Firoz Khan.
First Official Ban on International Cricket Broadcast
Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Bangladesh has never halted its television and digital broadcasts of the tournament. This marks the first time the Bangladeshi government has officially banned the broadcast of an international cricket event, particularly one of global significance.
Release of Mustafizur Rahman from KKR
Reports indicate that on Saturday, Kolkata Knight Riders released Mustafizur Rahman from their squad following directives from the BCCI. KKR had acquired him during the IPL auction in December. BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia linked this decision to 'recent developments,' yet no clear reasons were publicly disclosed.
Strained Relations Between India and Bangladesh
In recent days, tensions have escalated in India-Bangladesh relations. Reports suggest that certain religious and political leaders in India criticized KKR and its owner, Shah Rukh Khan, for including Mustafizur in the team amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. These incidents have further strained the relationship between the two nations.
BCB's Request to ICC Regarding T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the ICC, requesting that their matches in the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India, be relocated to another country. There is speculation that these matches could be hosted in co-host Sri Lanka. No final decision has been made yet, but according to the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to play its first match against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Mustafizur Rahman's IPL Journey
Currently, Mustafizur Rahman is playing for the Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League. He has been a regular participant in the IPL since 2016, contributing significantly to various teams. Notably, Shakib Al Hasan is among the Bangladeshi players who have won the IPL, alongside others like Tamim Iqbal, Mashrafe Mortaza, Liton Das, and Mohammad Ashraful, who have also played in different IPL seasons.
Implications of the IPL Controversy
Overall, this controversy surrounding the IPL is evolving beyond cricket into the realms of diplomacy and politics as the 2026 tournament approaches. All eyes will be on the responses from the BCCI, BCB, and ICC in the coming days, as the implications could extend beyond the IPL to affect international cricket schedules.