Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast over Mustafizur Rahman controversy:BCB earlier refused to send team to India for T20 World Cup 2026

The Government of Bangladesh has directed that all broadcasts and telecasts of the Indian Premier League (IPL) be suspended in Bangladesh following the decision to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. The order dated 5 January stated that there would be an indefinite ban on the broadcast of IPL in Bangladeshi territory. “It is stated that no logical or acceptable explanation has been provided by the Indian Cricket Board regarding this decision. Such an action has hurt, insulted and humiliated the people of Bangladesh,” read the statement from the Bangladesh government. Also read: Shubman Gill wants 15-day camps before every Test series: BCCI willing to give India captain ‘bigger say’ in future planning The statement read further, “Under the present circumstances, all telecasts, broadcasts and promotional activities related to the Indian Premier League (IPL) are hereby instructed to be suspended until further notice. “This order has been issued in the public interest and with the approval of the appropriate authority,” it read. Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exclusion upsets Bangladesh The decision comes as a form of retaliation after KKR released Mustafizur under political pressure, following the killings of multiple Hindus in Bangladesh. Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took a firm stand against India by writing to the ICC that they would not be sending the Bangladesh cricket team for the T20 World Cup 2026, citing security reasons. Bangladesh are due to play 4 group stage matches in India, including three fixtures in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The Bangla Tigers are in Group C, alongside England, West Indies, Italy and Nepal. Mustafizur Rahman was the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for ₹9.2 crores in the IPL 2026 auction. He became the most expensive Bangladesh player in IPL history, but after the killing of four Hindus in Bangladesh, KKR had to release the player. Bangladesh earlier released their squad for the T20 World Cup, including Mustafizur in the team. Ironically, the announcement comes just days after BCB announced they would be hosting India for a 3-match ODI and 3-match T20I series later in 2026. Harbhajan Singh reacts to the controversy Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh said that it is ultimately Bangladesh’s decision whether to participate on Indian soil. While speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, “Due to the various events that have taken place in the past few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India. Whatever happened in Bangladesh is wrong. ICC needs to make a decision on their request. We welcome everyone to India, but whether they (Bangladesh) want to come here or not is their choice.” Meanwhile, Mustafizur represented the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, playing three matches. The IPL 2026 season will begin on 26 March.