Dhaka | January 5, 2026 | PTI | The Bangladesh government on Monday banned the broadcast of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in what it described as a retaliatory step following the exclusion of national pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the league on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision was formally communicated through a notification issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which said there was “no logical reason” behind the BCCI’s directive asking IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Rahman from its squad for the 2026 season.
“No logical reason for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the notification said.
Fallout from Rahman’s IPL exit
Rahman’s ouster from the IPL triggered sharp reactions in Bangladesh, where the left-arm fast bowler is regarded as one of the country’s most valuable limited-overs assets. The pacer had been expected to play a key role in the upcoming IPL season before the BCCI intervened, citing undisclosed reasons, and instructed KKR to release him.
The Bangladeshi government viewed the move as unilateral and lacking transparency, leading to mounting political and sporting pressure to respond. Officials said the broadcast ban was intended to convey “strong displeasure” over what they termed an unjustified decision affecting a national player.
Broadcast ban with wider implications
The IPL enjoys significant viewership in Bangladesh, particularly among younger audiences and cricket followers. Industry observers say the ban could have commercial implications for broadcasters and advertisers in the country, while also deepening tensions between cricketing authorities on both sides.
The decision comes amid a series of strained developments in India–Bangladesh cricket relations. In recent weeks, senior Bangladeshi officials have publicly questioned India’s role as host of major international tournaments, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Silence from BCCI
As of Monday evening, the BCCI had not issued an official response to Bangladesh’s decision to ban the IPL broadcast. IPL officials, too, declined to comment on whether the move would prompt further dialogue between the two boards.
Cricket analysts note that while broadcast bans are rare, they are not unprecedented in situations where sporting decisions spill over into diplomatic or political space. However, they caution that prolonged standoffs risk undermining regional cricket cooperation.
What lies ahead
With the IPL season approaching, it remains unclear whether the broadcast ban will remain in force or be revisited through diplomatic or cricketing channels. Much will depend on whether the BCCI offers clarification on Rahman’s release and whether bilateral discussions between the two cricket boards resume.
For now, Bangladesh’s move marks one of the strongest official responses yet to an IPL-related decision, underlining how closely cricket, national sentiment and politics remain intertwined in the region.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
