Mustafizur row escalates: Bangladesh now bans IPL 2026 broadcast after T20 World Cup move

The Bangladesh government has imposed an indefinite ban on television broadcasting and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), escalating tensions stemming from the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the 2026 season.

In an official statement issued on January 5, the authorities confirmed that all broadcasts, promotional content and coverage of IPL-related events have been suspended with immediate effect and will remain suspended until further notice. The statement said that the decision was taken in the “public interest” and was approved by the competent authority.

The move comes a day after Bangladesh officially refused to travel to India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns amid rising off-field tensions involving the players and wider bilateral sensitivities.

At the heart of the dispute is Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December 2025. The left-arm pacer was released on Saturday after the Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the franchise to let him go. Bangladeshi officials criticized the decision, saying the action taken by the BCCI lacked “any logical reason”.

Following Mustafa’s release, the Bangladesh government said it was forced to act by suspending all television broadcasts and promotional activities related to the IPL across the country. “A request has been made to stop promotion/broadcast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and events until further orders,” the statement added.

The controversy also extended to the international calendar. On December 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that it was “not possible” to send the national team to India under the current circumstances. The board has officially requested that Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup be moved to venues outside the host country.

“After a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation and the advice of the Bangladesh government, the Board of Directors has decided that the Bangladesh national team will not travel to India to participate in the tournament under the current circumstances,” the Bangladesh Central Bank said in its letter.

The board added that it had urged the ICC, as the event organizing authority, to move all Bangladesh’s matches outside India to ensure a “safe and appropriate environment” for players, team officials, board members and other stakeholders.

What initially seemed like a high-profile cricketing decision has since become entangled with political and diplomatic sensitivities. The situation has reportedly worsened amid opposition from some political and religious groups, coupled with growing concerns within Indian authorities over regional instability and the safety of minorities in the wake of violent incidents in Bangladesh.

The ICC is yet to publicly respond to Bangladesh’s request, with the standoff now presenting a major logistical and diplomatic challenge ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.