Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Following the controversy over Mustafizur's removal from the IPL, the Bangladesh government has made a significant decision. They have ordered an indefinite suspension on the broadcast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the country, effective immediately until further notice.
In an official order released on March 26, it was confirmed that no IPL-related broadcasts, promotions, or event coverage will be displayed in Bangladesh. The statement emphasized that this decision was made in the public interest. According to Bangladeshi officials, the instruction to exclude Mustafizur Rahman came from BCCI, but the government deemed it an unreasonable decision without proper justification.
The government statement indicated that the decision has saddened, hurt, and angered the people of Bangladesh, resulting in directives for the suspension of all IPL matches and programs indefinitely. No broadcasts of any IPL match or related event will be permitted until further notice.
Controversy Escalates Over Mustafizur's IPL Removal
Mustafizur Rahman's abrupt exclusion from the IPL has sparked widespread debate in Bangladesh. Fans, former cricketers, and experts are continuously questioning the reasons behind this decision. The IPL telecast ban has intensified the issue, highlighting that the controversy transcends cricket, touching on sports diplomacy and sensitivity.
This issue has extended beyond the telecast ban, visibly impacting international cricket and bilateral relations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided not to send its team to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026, citing security concerns and government advice.
The decision coincides with KKR's decision to release Mustafizur Rahman following BCCI directives. Although BCCI did not explicitly cite the current state of Indo-Bangladesh relations for Mustafizur's removal, it hinted that broader developments played a role.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board called an emergency meeting on Saturday night following Mustafizur Rahman's sudden removal from the IPL. Consequently, a crucial Board of Directors meeting on Sunday unanimously decided not to send the national team to India for the tournament starting on February 7.
