Bangladesh Slaps Indefinite Ban on IPL Telecast Amid Mustafizur Row

Dhaka, January 5 (TNA) Bangladesh has imposed an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country, escalating its standoff with Indian cricket authorities over the Mustafizur Rahman controversy. The move, announced by the government through a formal directive to broadcasters, takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

According to the order, all television channels, cable operators and radio stations in Bangladesh have been instructed to “immediately suspend” the broadcast, live telecast, replay, highlights and any promotional content related to the IPL. The directive, issued in the “public interest” with approval of the “proper authority”, warns that violations will invite strict legal action under existing broadcasting and telecommunications laws.

The decision follows a sharp backlash in Dhaka after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for IPL 2026 amid a row between the BCCI and Bangladesh authorities. Senior government figures and advisers accused the Indian board of “disrespecting” Bangladesh and playing politics with the star left-arm seamer, triggering calls from within the country to boycott the league on moral and nationalistic grounds.

Sports adviser Asif Nazrul and other officials had in recent days publicly floated the idea of suspending IPL broadcasts, saying the people of Bangladesh felt “hurt” and that the government would examine legal options before taking a final call. Rights groups and sections of the cricket fraternity also urged the administration to send a strong message to the BCCI, arguing that continuing to beam IPL matches would undermine national pride.