The Bangladeshi government has suspended the broadcasting of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the country following the exclusion of national team pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the tournament.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a directive on Monday instructing all relevant television channels not to telecast IPL matches or related programmes until further notice.
In a letter sent to broadcasters, the ministry said the decision was taken after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Mustafizur from its squad ahead of the upcoming IPL season, scheduled to begin on 26 March.
An official statement said the removal of the Bangladeshi cricketer had caused widespread disappointment and concern in Bangladesh, adding that no clear explanation had been provided by the Indian cricket authorities for the decision.
“In the present situation, all matches and events of the Indian Premier League will remain suspended in Bangladesh until further notice,” the ministry said.
Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed on 3 January that Mustafizur Rahman had been released from the squad, stating that the move was taken in line with instructions from the IPL governing body, the BCCI.
The left-arm fast bowler had been signed by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore during the players’ mini-auction last month after a competitive bidding process involving Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The broadcasting ban comes amid escalating tensions in sporting relations between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh has also decided not to travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul announced the decision, describing it as a response to developments surrounding Mustafizur’s exclusion and concerns over the safety of Bangladeshi players.
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to begin on 7 February. Bangladesh was due to play its opening group match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Drawn in Group C, Bangladesh is also set to face England, Italy and Nepal. While the original schedule included three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later requested a venue change, proposing Sri Lanka as an alternative host.
The BCB has since formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking a revision to the match venues.
Mustafizur Rahman’s signing by KKR had earlier drawn criticism from some religious leaders and political figures in India, prompting heightened debate ahead of the IPL season.
Neither the BCCI nor the IPL authorities have issued a detailed public response addressing the concerns raised by Bangladeshi officials.
