The government of Bangladesh has banned the telecast of the (Indian Premier League) IPL 2026 in Bangladesh, following the withdrawal of a Bangladeshi fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, from the Indian league without an explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This is the first instance in Bangladesh where the telecast of any international cricket series has been banned, as the Indian Premier League has been broadcasting in the country since its inception in 2008.
Official Statement issued by Bangladesh Govt regarding IPL 2026
Advertisement
Through a release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and signed by Assistant Secretary Firoz Khan, the Government has stated that it has been noted that there has been no reason given for not selecting Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2026.
“The ministry added that the “action has caused distress amongst the people of Bangladesh,” but the ban had been imposed “in public interest.”
KKR Releases Mustafizur Rahman Following BCCI Directive
Left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman, who was acquired by KKR in the December IPL auction, was released from the squad on Saturday. The franchise mentioned that the decision was made following instructions from the BCCI.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia refused to elaborate, merely pointing towards “recent developments”.
Political, Religious Tensions Add to Fallout
In the days before the decision, several Indian spiritual and political leaders publicly denounced KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing Mustafizur Rahman. According to reports, these criticisms noted ongoing tensions involving Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
BCB Escalates Matter to ICC Over World Cup Matches
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move the Bangladesh matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup out of India, with the potential alternative being Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh are currently set to begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on the 7th of February. Moreover, the BCB has demanded an explanation from the BCCI regarding the withdrawal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026.
Mixed Signals Prior to the Ultimate Broadcast Blackout
Advertisement
A little earlier on Saturday, sports advisor to the Bangladesh government, Dr Asif Nazrul, was seen making a public declaration that the IPL should not be aired in the country. Soon after this, Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan made a statement regarding the formalities that needed to be followed. The broadcast ban was later confirmed on Sunday evening.
Bangladesh Players’ History in the IPL
Despite the unofficial long-standing ban on Pakistani players in IPL, innumerable Bangladeshi cricketers have featured in the league in previous seasons. Mustafizur Rahman, an IPL regular since 2016, was the only Bangladeshi picked for IPL 2026.
Other Bangladeshi players of repute who have played in the IPL include:
Shakib Al Hasan (KKR, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Mashrafe Mortaza – KKR
Tamim Iqbal (Pune Warriors India)
Mohammad Ashraful (Mumbai Indians)
Abdur Razzak [Royal Challengers Bengaluru]
Litton Das (KKR)
Both Mustafizur and Shakib have already won IPL titles.
What’s Next?
With IPL starting on March 26, 2026, the story keeps changing by the minute. The reactions of the BCCI, ICC, and the broadcasters would be keenly followed as the controversy travels beyond cricket to diplomacy and international sports governance.
ALSO READ: IND vs NZ ODI Series: Tickets Sold Out In 8 Minutes Due To Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s Fandom
Advertisement
