IPL taken off air in Bangladesh amid Mustafizur Rahman controversy

The Bangladesh government has directed an immediate halt to the broadcast and digital streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country, escalating the fallout from the controversy surrounding fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, effectively blocking Bangladeshi viewers from accessing IPL matches through official platforms.

The decision was taken on Monday afternoon, with authorities citing widespread public discontent over Rahman’s removal from the IPL franchise. In an official order, the government stated that it had come to light that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had issued instructions leading to the exclusion of the Bangladeshi pacer from KKR’s squad for the 2026 IPL season, scheduled to begin on March 26.

According to the order, no clear or acceptable explanation for the move has been provided, and the decision has deeply upset the people of Bangladesh. In light of these circumstances, the government said it had been instructed to stop the telecast and broadcast of all IPL matches and related programmes in the interest of the public.

Also Read: Bangladesh officially requests ICC to move T20 World Cup matches outside India

Earlier, the BCCI had asked KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman, taking into account recent developments and the broader diplomatic situation. Reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh in recent days have contributed to heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries, further complicating the sporting relationship.

KKR, who had acquired the 30-year-old left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini auction, complied with the directive and released him from the squad. As per IPL rules, the three-time champions are now eligible to sign a replacement player.

The controversy has also spilled over into international cricket administration. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging it to shift Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup out of India.

Sources suggest the ICC is considering revising the tournament schedule, which could result in Bangladesh playing all their Group C fixtures in Sri Lanka. Currently, Bangladesh are grouped with England, the West Indies, Nepal and Italy, and are slated to play most of their matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their final group game against Nepal scheduled at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

If approved, the proposed changes would mark a significant alteration to the tournament’s logistics, underscoring how the Mustafizur Rahman episode has evolved into a broader diplomatic and sporting standoff.