The interim government has imposed a ban on the broadcast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and related events in Bangladesh.
The decision was taken in protest against the exclusion of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.
A directive issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and signed by Assistant Secretary Firoz Khan imposed the ban on Monday (January 5).
According to the directive, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ordered the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team in the IPL, scheduled to be held from March 26, 2026.”
The directive said there was no logical justification for the exclusion, adding that the decision had hurt, shocked, and angered the people of Bangladesh.
“In this situation, it has been decided to suspend the broadcast of all IPL matches and related events until further notice,” the directive said, noting that the order was issued in the public interest with the approval of the appropriate authorities.
Noteworthy that amid continued protests by hardline Hindutva groups in India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday (January 3) directed the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the squad. Shortly afterward, the KKR officially announced that Mustafizur Rahman was no longer part of the team.
In response to the treatment of the Bangladeshi player, cricket fans across the country have welcomed the government’s decision. As a result, the 2026 IPL season will not be broadcast on any television channel or digital platform in Bangladesh.
Bd-Pratidin English / AM
