IPL 2026: Bangladesh government takes massive decision on IPL broadcast post Mustafizur Rahman row

The current relationship between India and Bangladesh has got another chapter in the sour page as the latter’s premium pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, was released from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave direction to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Mustafizur lost a contract of 9.2 crore as Bangladesh wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting to relocate their T20 World Cup 2026 games out of India. Less than 24 hours from that decision, the Bangladesh government issued a notice to suspend IPL broadcast in the country for an indefinite period.

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“In view of the above subject, it is being informed that it has come to our attention that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed 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 March 26, 2026.” The government’s letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting read.

Bangladesh government bans IPL broadcast in their country

The BCB director, Faruque Ahmed, directed the board to refuse to play their World Cup matches on Indian soil as he issued security reasons behind the refusal and wanted the hybrid model to be followed, just like India and Pakistan matches, where they will face each other in Sri Lanka.

“No logical reason is known for such a decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh. Under these circumstances, until further notice, it is requested as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL).” The Ministry letter is addressed.

It will now be a logistical nightmare for the ICC to make the final call as Bangladesh are placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal, and are scheduled to play all of their games in Kolkata and Mumbai with the campaign beginning on February 07.