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The Bangladesh government has imposed an indefinite ban on the broadcast and telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country. The decision, announced on Monday, January 5, 2026, serves as a direct response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) directive to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.
Mustafizur had been a high-profile signing for KKR, acquired for ₹9.2 crore during the auction held in December 2025. However, following the BCCI’s instructions, the franchise officially released him on Saturday, citing “recent developments.”
“Public Interest” and National Sentiment
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a formal directive to all television channels and promotional outlets, stating that the ban is in the “public interest.”
- Official Stance: The government stated there was no “rational reason” provided for the BCCI’s decision, adding that the move has “pained, saddened, and aggrieved” the people of Bangladesh.
- National Sentiment: Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul remarked that the country would not stand for “any insult” to its cricketers, stating, “The days of slavery are over.”
The Root of the Conflict
While the BCCI has not officially detailed the “recent developments” cited for the release, reports suggest the move was influenced by rising geopolitical tensions.
- Backlash in India: Several political groups in India reportedly threatened protests against KKR and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for retaining a Bangladeshi player, citing reported violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
- Safety Concerns: The BCCI’s directive was reportedly seen as a measure to prevent potential security issues during the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026.
Escalation to the ICC
The controversy has now reached the international stage. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup from India to Sri Lanka.
The BCB argued that if a contracted player like Mustafizur is not considered “safe” to play in a domestic league like the IPL, the entire national team cannot feel secure traveling to India for a global tournament. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.