Dhaka: The Bangladesh government has imposed an open-ended suspension on the broadcast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), following widespread backlash over Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the 2026 season.
Officials confirmed that all IPL-related telecasts, advertisements, and promotional material have been stopped with immediate effect. The decision, authorities said, was taken after strong public reaction and growing dissatisfaction over what many in Bangladesh view as unfair treatment of one of the country’s most prominent cricketers.
The controversy gained momentum after reports emerged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had asked KKR to drop Rahman from their squad despite his recent inclusion and contract announcement. The move triggered criticism from fans, former cricketers, and political voices in Bangladesh, with demands for clarity and accountability from cricketing authorities.
The suspension of IPL coverage represents a sharp escalation and could have commercial implications, as Bangladesh is considered a significant market for cricket broadcasting. The episode highlights how sporting decisions can quickly spill over into public sentiment and cross-border sensitivities.
