Government Orders Immediate Ban on IPL Broadcast in Bangladesh

In a major development, the Government of Bangladesh has directed all television channels and media outlets to immediately stop broadcasting and telecasting all matches, events, and programmes related to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The directive was issued in an official press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday (5 January). The order will remain in effect until further notice.

The release states: “It has come to notice that the Indian Cricket Board has instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to exclude Bangladesh’s star player Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to begin on 26 March 2026. No logical reason has been provided for this decision, which has deeply pained, saddened, and angered the people of Bangladesh.

In this context, all concerned authorities are requested to stop the broadcast/telecast of all IPL matches and programmes until further instructions are issued. This order is issued in the public interest with proper approval.”

Background of the Controversy

Mustafizur Rahman was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 9.20 crore during last month’s IPL mini-auction after an intense bidding war. However, following allegations and protests in India — particularly from hardline Hindu nationalist groups — claiming persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed KKR to release the Bangladeshi pacer from the squad.

KKR complied with the directive and officially announced Mustafizur’s release earlier this month, citing BCCI instructions.

The decision has triggered widespread outrage in Bangladesh, leading to the government’s retaliatory move to ban all IPL coverage.