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The Bangladesh government on Monday ordered an immediate ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the release of national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 season.
In an official statement, the local administration said the decision was taken after a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led to Mustafizur’s exclusion from the KKR squad for the IPL, which is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026.
“No rational reason for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the statement read.
“Under these circumstances, until further notice, instructions have been issued to stop the broadcast and telecast of all IPL matches and programmes.”
The government added that the order had been issued in the public interest and with the approval of the competent authority.
“This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest.”
Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most high-profile cricketers, was released by Kolkata after the franchise was “advised” by the BCCI to do so in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
The 30-year-old left-arm pacer had been picked up by KKR for more than one million dollars at the IPL auction in December.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s role in the decision, stating that “considering recent developments”, Kolkata were advised to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.
Kolkata Knight Riders, which is majority-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, later said the move was made after due consultations.
“His release has been carried out following due process,” the franchise said in a statement, adding that the BCCI would allow the defending champions to sign a replacement player under IPL regulations.
The situation further intensified on Sunday when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the national team would not travel to India for its scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Following an emergency meeting, the BCB said it had formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka.
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