In what can be seen as a retaliatory action, the Bangladesh government has ordered that there will be no broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season in the country, following the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise as per BCCI orders.
In light of recent events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Rahman from their roster on Saturday. There have been several reports of Hindus being slain in Bangladesh in recent days, which has strained ties between Bangladesh and India.
After selecting Rahman for INR 9.20 crore in the mini auction, KKR released the 30-year-old in accordance with the rules, and will be allowed to choose a replacement player.
Now the Bangladesh government has ordered the suspension of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
“In view of the subject, it is being informed that a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to light regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mr. Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, scheduled to be held from 26 March 2026,” the Bangladesh government stated in its order.
“No rational reason for such a decision by the Indian Cricket Board is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh. Under these circumstances, until further notice, a request is made as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest,” it added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in response to the Rahman controversy, asking that the top cricket organization move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka.
The BCB had stated that it will not be traveling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, due to rising worries regarding the safety and security of the Bangladeshi delegation.
(ANI inputs)
