The interim government of Bangladesh has indefinitely imposed a ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. The decision came after a Bangladesh cricketer was removed from the upcoming edition of the world’s richest franchise league amid the ongoing political storm between the two countries. Mustafizur Rahman was bought for ₹9.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction last December in Abu Dhabi.

On Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia informed that the Board has asked the KKR franchise to release Mustafizur, citing “recent developments going on all across”. The decision was not well-received by the Bangladesh cricket fraternity.

“It is hereby informed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament to be held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 26 March 2026, Bangladesh star player Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad,” the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government said in a press release.

“There is no known logical reason for such a decision by the Indian Cricket Board and such a decision has saddened, shocked and angered the people of Bangladesh. In this situation, it is hereby requested to stop the broadcast/broadcast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) games and events until further notice,” the statement further added.

BCB wants venue shift in T20 World Cup

In the aftermath of the incident, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially refused to travel to India next month for the T20 World Cup 2026 and threatened the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the same. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place from 7 February. The BCB has requested that the ICC shift their matches out of India.

Bangladesh, placed in Group C, were to play three matches at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata against England (14 February), West Indies (7 February) and Italy (9 February). Their only match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium was against Nepal (17 February).

Notably, Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka. The ball is now in the ICC’s court and it will be interesting to see what they decide. It is worth noting that the current ICC chairman, Jay Shah, was previously a secretary of the BCCI.

Bangladesh players in IPL

Barring Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur, Bangladesh never had a strong representation in the IPL. While Shakib played for just two teams – KKR (from 2011 to 2017 and in 2021) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018 and 2019), Mustafizur appeared for five franchises before signing for KKR.

Since his IPL debut in 2016, Mustafizur played for Chennai Super Kings (2024), Delhi Capitals (2022, 2023, 2025), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016, 2017), Rajasthan Royals (2021) and Mumbai Indians (2018). So far, Mustafizur has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches.

The likes of Mohammad Ashraful (1 match for the Mumbai Indians in 2009), Mashrafe Mortaza (1 match for KKR in 2009), and Litton Das (1 match for KKR in 2023) were picked but played only a few games.