Dhaka, Jan 5: Bangladesh has stopped the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, triggering a fresh diplomatic and sporting standoff.
The country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an official directive suspending all IPL-related telecasts until further notice, according to Bangladesh’s Press Information Department.
“Until further notice, all IPL matches and associated programmes will remain suspended from broadcast and telecast in Bangladesh,” the PID said in its statement.
The decision comes as the IPL prepares to open its new season on March 26. Rahman’s removal from the KKR roster followed a statement by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who said the franchise had been instructed to let go of the pacer “due to the recent developments.”
Cricketing relations between the two countries have also been strained at the international level. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has written to the International Cricket Council seeking relocation of its matches from India during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, pointing to concerns over the safety of its players and officials.
Reacting to the request, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh said Bangladesh’s participation on Indian soil was its own call. “We welcome everyone to India, but whether they want to come here or not is their decision,” he said while speaking to ANI.
He said the ICC would have the final say. “ICC needs to take a call on this. Due to the events of the last few days, Bangladesh does not want to come to India,” Harbhajan added.
The T20 World Cup in 2026 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with venues yet to be finalised.
