Dhaka, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 – Bangladesh’s interim government banned broadcasts of the 2026 Indian Premier League on Monday, citing the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to have Kolkata Knight Riders release pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The move follows Bangladesh’s refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India due to safety issues.
The Bangladesh IPL ban highlights deepening divisions in South Asian cricket, potentially disrupting regional tournaments and bilateral series that foster economic ties and cultural exchanges across borders.
Bangladesh Bans IPL Broadcast
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a directive suspending all IPL-related telecasts, promotions, and coverage with immediate effect. The order targets the IPL 2026 season, set to run from March 26 to May 31.
In its statement, the ministry described the release of Mustafizur Rahman as an “unceremonious dumping” of a “star player” that “defied logic” and had “hurt people”. Officials linked the decision directly to the BCCI’s actions, which they viewed as unjustified amid ongoing diplomatic strains.
State-run broadcasters and private channels received letters enforcing the ban. No timeline for lifting the restriction was provided, leaving cricket fans in Bangladesh without access to one of the world’s most popular leagues.
Mustafizur Rahman IPL Drop
Mustafizur Rahman, a 30-year-old fast bowler, was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore (about USD 1.1 million on first mention) at the IPL auction last year. He has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches since 2016, playing for teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings.
On Saturday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur due to “recent developments”. Saikia told news agency ANI: “Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”
Kolkata Knight Riders issued a statement confirming the release followed due process and consultations with the BCCI. The franchise can now seek a replacement player.
The Mustafizur Rahman IPL drop stemmed from criticisms by Indian political and spiritual leaders over his inclusion, amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. A Shiv Sena leader stated Rahman would not be allowed to play “at any cost”.
Bangladesh Cricket Board officials questioned the BCCI’s rationale. The BCB wrote to the BCCI seeking an explanation, noting it had earlier approved Mustafizur’s participation in the IPL auction.
India Bangladesh Cricket Tensions
The Bangladesh IPL ban and Mustafizur Rahman IPL drop are part of broader India Bangladesh cricket tensions. Political ties between the neighbours have deteriorated, with protests in New Delhi over unrelated incidents fueling the cricket row.
Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Nazrul criticised the BCCI’s “radical communal policies” in welcoming the BCB’s decisions.
These tensions extend to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February. Bangladesh is scheduled for matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, including an opener against West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7.
Background
India Bangladesh cricket tensions have roots in recent geopolitical events. Reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh prompted demonstrations in India, leading to the BCCI’s directive on Mustafizur.
The BCB held two video-conference meetings over 24 hours. In the first on Saturday evening, no firm decision emerged. The second on Sunday afternoon, with 17 directors, finalised the stance.
BCB president Aminul Islam emphasised security priorities, stating the ICC handles venue decisions for the T20 World Cup. Media committee chairman Amzad Hossain added: “ICC will decide which is the appropriate venue. Our players’ security is our first priority.”
The BCCI has not officially linked Mustafizur’s release to security, but BCB officials argued: “India said that they are unable to provide security for one player, so how can they give security for the whole team?”
Bangladesh’s home season includes a white-ball tour by India in March, with three ODIs and three T20Is rescheduled from 2025.
What’s Next
The International Cricket Council has not responded to Bangladesh’s demand to relocate matches to Sri Lanka. Relocating could disrupt the tournament schedule, as it lacks a hybrid model like the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The BCB urged the ICC to act swiftly to ensure a secure environment. If unresolved, Bangladesh may withdraw entirely, affecting the 20-team event.
Bangladesh fans face uncertainty over accessing IPL content, with potential shifts to online streaming or international feeds. The BCCI may face calls for reciprocity in future tours.
The Bangladesh IPL ban could strain commercial ties, given IPL’s global revenue of over USD 1 billion annually. Analysts predict diplomatic talks to resolve the impasse before the T20 World Cup starts.
In conclusion, the Bangladesh IPL ban underscores the need for dialogue to preserve cricket’s role in bridging South Asian divides.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 6th, 2026
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