Source espncric info
Dhaka/New Delhi, Jan 5, 2026 — The Government of Bangladesh has announced an indefinite ban on the broadcast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) within the country, escalating a diplomatic and sporting dispute triggered by the removal of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the upcoming 2026 season.
In an official order issued on Monday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting instructed all television channels, streaming services and media outlets to cease airing IPL matches and related programming with immediate effect and until further notice. The government said the decision was taken “in the public interest” after what it described as an unjustified and distressing decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove the Bangladesh pacer from the franchise.
Bangladesh officials have stressed that no clear reason was given for Mustafizur’s exclusion, a move that has “shocked and angered” cricket fans and observers across the country. Authorities said the ban reflects widespread public sentiment and is meant to uphold the dignity of Bangladeshi players.
The decision comes amid broader tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, with implications beyond the IPL. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also refused to send its national team to India for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka — a request that has yet to be resolved.
Cricket analysts say the ban marks an unprecedented step by a cricket-playing nation to block coverage of one of the sport’s premier global leagues, deepening a controversy that has fused sport with diplomatic strains. The BCCI and the IPL have not yet issued a detailed response to Bangladesh’s broadcast suspension.
Background: The KKR had signed Mustafizur Rahman — one of Bangladesh’s leading fast bowlers — during the IPL 2026 mini auction last December. Days later, the franchise released him following a directive from the BCCI amid rising off-field tensions between the two nations, fuelling criticism in Bangladesh.
*This is a developing story and more details may follow as the situation evolves.*
