IPL blackout ordered as Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion sparks uproar
The Government of Bangladesh has officially suspended the broadcast and streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country, citing public sentiment and concerns over the treatment of national cricketer Mustafizur Rahman. This sweeping directive was issued just days after Rahman was abruptly released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad — a move that has deepened an already fragile India-Bangladesh sporting relationship.
“In view of the subject, it is being informed that a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to light regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi star player Mr Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, scheduled to be held from 26 March 2026,” the Bangladesh government stated in its official order.
The government further expressed the emotional toll that the BCCI’s decision to remove Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad has taken on its citizens. “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.”
The suspension was made effective immediately, halting legal IPL viewing access on both television and digital platforms within 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),” the order declared. The document concluded with: “This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest.”
Political undertones and public pressure intensify
The move follows mounting public and political backlash in Bangladesh after the BCCI’s intervention reportedly led to Rahman’s removal. Though the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had cleared him with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play the full IPL season, Rahman was let go by KKR, who had purchased him for INR 9.20 crore in the mini auction.
The controversy also drew sharp remarks from senior political figures. “I request the information and broadcasting advisor to stop the broadcasting of Bangladesh IPL game too!” wrote Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs in the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government, via Facebook post. His statement predated the formal suspension and echoed growing calls across social media to sever IPL ties.
Meanwhile, Rahman’s own reaction reflected a sense of resignation. Speaking to BDCricTime, he said, “If they release me, what can I do?”
T20 World Cup participation now uncertain
Beyond the IPL, the diplomatic rift is spilling into international tournaments. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), formally requesting that all of its matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 be moved out of India.
According to a report by Indian Express, the ICC is currently weighing a revised tournament schedule that would relocate Bangladesh’s Group C fixtures — originally scheduled for Kolkata and Mumbai — to Sri Lanka.
As tensions rise and sporting ties fray, the ramifications of this row may stretch far beyond this IPL season, with the risk of a deeper divide forming between two cricketing nations long entwined but now visibly strained.
