Bangladesh orders indefinite ban on IPL telecast and promotion following Mustafizur Rahman controversy
The move came after backlash over Mustafizur’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders
The decision leaves Bangladeshi fans unable to watch IPL matches until further notice
Bangladesh have issued an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) within the country, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.
The move comes amid a heated controversy over the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season, a decision that many in Dhaka described as unfair and deeply hurtful to national pride.
The ban, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, orders all broadcasters and digital platforms to immediately halt IPL coverage until further notice.
'No Logical Reason' Behind Mustafizur Release: Bangladesh Govt
"No logical reason for such a decision (Rahman's release) by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh," the Bangladesh government's notification read, by assistant secretary Feroz Khan.
"In this situation, until further notice, it is requested by order to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL)."
Rahman, who was bought by KKR for a significant sum of INR 9.20 crores at the IPL auction, became the centre of a diplomatic flare-up when the BCCI instructed his release, citing growing bilateral tensions following events in Bangladesh late last year.
While issuing the diktat to release Rahman, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia referred to the "developments all around", without giving any clear specifics.
Bangladesh Bans IPL Telecast After Mustafizur Rahman Controversy
Cricket fans in Bangladesh will be unable to watch what is arguably the world’s most popular T20 league on television or online, at least for now. For many, the IPL was a major sporting highlight of the year, a chance to see international stars and domestic talents compete on the big stage.
With the ban in place, viewers must find alternate entertainment, and broadcasters will need to asses the financial implications of a sudden blackout of IPL 2026, which is scheduled to start on Mach 26.
Also Read: Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
The situation has also resulted in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) asking the ICC to relocate the team’s group-stage matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 206 out of India due to player safety concerns.
