The Bangladesh government has ordered an indefinite suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcast and streaming in the country following the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad. The decision comes amid escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh.
In an official statement, the government expressed dismay over the BCCI’s decision to exclude Rahman from KKR’s squad for the IPL season starting March 26, 2026. “No rational reason for such a decision is known. This has pained and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the statement read. Consequently, all IPL matches and related programming will be stopped until further notice.
The BCCI had instructed KKR to release Rahman, who was initially picked for INR 9.20 crore in the mini-auction, citing recent developments including reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. KKR, a three-time IPL champion, will now be allowed to sign a replacement player.
The row has also prompted the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka. Currently, Bangladesh is placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy, with matches scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. ICC is reportedly reviewing a revised schedule to accommodate Bangladesh’s concerns.
Reacting to his release, Rahman said, “If they release me, what can I do?” He had earlier received clearance from the BCB to participate fully in the IPL season. The left-arm seamer has previously played for several IPL teams, including CSK, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians.
The development has left cricket fans in Bangladesh disappointed, highlighting the growing tension between cricket administration decisions and national sentiment.
