BCCI vs BCB Saga Intensifies; IPL broadcast suspended in Bangladesh indefinitely after Mustafizur Rahman row

Earlier, BCB revoked Mustafizur Rahman’s NOC following BCCI’s directive to release the pacer from the KKR squad.

Tensions continue to escalate between India and Bangladesh, as the Bangladesh government announced on January 5, 2026, the indefinite suspension of all broadcasts and telecasts of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches across the country.

The decision, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, comes as a direct retaliation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi star pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

IPL is the world’s most popular T20 league and is set to begin on March 26, 2026. With Bangladesh accounting for less than 1% of the tournament’s overall viewership, the league’s reach and commercial impact are expected to remain unaffected, regardless of whether a ban is imposed in the region.

KKR had acquired Rahman for INR 9.20 crore in the recent mini-auction. Still, the franchise complied with the BCCI’s directive, citing “recent developments” and concerns over alleged atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the instruction, allowing KKR to seek a replacement player.

The move follows reports of large-scale atrocities and violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, with disturbing incidents of public lynching and people being set on fire emerging in recent weeks.

Adding to the tension, Bangladeshi activists have issued calls to occupy parts of north-eastern India, while prolonged protests were held outside India’s commission in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Government’s official directive

Bangladesh’s Press Information Department stated that no “logical or reasonable explanation” was provided for Rahman’s exclusion, describing the decision as one that has “distressed, shocked, and angered” the nation’s people.

“No rational reason for such a decision by the Indian Cricket Board is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh. Under these circumstances, until further notice, a request is made as per instructions to stop the broadcast/telecast of all matches and programmes of the Indian Premier League (IPL)”, as stated in the Bangladesh Government’s Official Directive.

The controversy has spilled over into international cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup from Indian venues to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns for their players.

Currently, Bangladesh are scheduled to play four matches: three in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The ICC or BCCI are yet to comment on this request.

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