IPL broadcast ban in Bangladesh under review:BCB restricted telecast after Mustafizur Rahman row; decision on PSL post security report

The ban on broadcasting the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bangladesh may soon be reconsidered. The country’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has indicated that the government will review the situation and understand the reasons behind the earlier decision. The IPL, known as the world’s biggest T20 cricket league, was banned in Bangladesh during the previous interim government after the Mustafizur Rahman row. However, the current administration appears open to revisiting the matter and taking a fresh decision. At the same time, the participation of Bangladeshi players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 will depend on security assessments, with the government waiting for a detailed report from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Bangladesh government to review IPL ban soon According to the report of Cricbuzz, Aminul Haque stated that the government will investigate why IPL broadcasting was stopped in the country. A meeting with the BCB is expected after the Eid holidays, where officials will review the issue and decide the future course of action. The IPL ban was reportedly introduced during the tenure of the previous interim government led by Professor Yunus. It came amid concerns over security and controversies involving Bangladeshi players, including Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Also read: Rejuvenated Rohit, firing Bumrah; 4 T20 WC-winning stars in XI: MI SWOT analysis; can Mumbai Indians win a record sixth title? ‘Won’t mix sports and politics’ – Aminul Haque The Sports Minister made it clear that the current government does not want politics to affect sports. He has explained the importance of maintaining healthy sporting relations with India. Aminul Haque said that sports should remain separate from political issues and that Bangladesh is keen to maintain friendly ties with its neighbouring country. He added that the upcoming discussions with the cricket board will help clarify the situation. Decision on PSL participation pending The government has not yet taken a final call on whether Bangladeshi players will participate in PSL 2026. Aminul Haque stressed that security remains the top priority. He said, “If there is any security threat, our players will definitely not go. First, the board will inform us about this, then we will make an official decision based on our national agencies’ investigation.” He further added, “If BCB assures us that there is no problem, then we have no issue. We don’t want to stop sports, but security is paramount.” PSL to be played behind closed doors The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already announced that PSL 2026 matches will be held only in Lahore and Karachi due to ongoing tensions in West Asia. All matches will take place behind closed doors, meaning no spectators will be allowed. Several countries have also issued travel advisories for their players, raising further concerns about safety during the tournament. Also read: ‘Very difficult, but I will try’: MS Dhoni opens up on retirement plans in CSK’s ‘Roar 26’ event at Chepauk Bangladeshi players await final decision Six Bangladeshi players have already received No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the BCB. These include Mustafizur Rahman and Parvez Hossain Emon (Lahore Qalandars), along with Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Rishad Hossain (Peshawar Zalmi). The tournament is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3. However, the final decision on their participation will depend on the government’s approval after reviewing security conditions.