Bangladesh’s interim government has banned the broadcast of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), escalating tensions with neighboring India and straining cricket relations between the two nations.

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Star Pacer Mustafizur Rahman Dropped by IPL Team

The move follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing the Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from this year’s IPL season. Mustafizur had signed with the franchise ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticized the decision, calling the removal of the “star player” illogical and hurtful, sparking public outcry in the country.

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Bangladesh Refuses to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India

In addition to the IPL ban, Bangladesh has refused to play their matches in next month’s T20 World Cup in India, demanding that their games be staged in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the 20-team tournament.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held an emergency meeting on Sunday and confirmed the decision. A statement read:

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India, the board resolved that the national team will not travel to India under current conditions. This step is necessary to safeguard players, officials, and other stakeholders.”

The board also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take swift action, though the ICC has not yet responded publicly.

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Rising India-Bangladesh Tensions

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated in recent weeks, with protests and political disagreements spilling into the cricketing arena. The decision to drop Mustafizur from the IPL triggered a strong response from Bangladeshi authorities, who view it as part of a broader pattern affecting the country’s players and representation in India-based tournaments.

The IPL, widely regarded as the world’s richest T20 league, is a major platform for international cricketers. The ban on broadcasting the league in Bangladesh and the refusal to participate in World Cup matches in India mark a significant escalation in sports-related diplomacy between the two neighbors.

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Key Takeaways

• Bangladesh bans 2026 IPL broadcast after Mustafizur Rahman is dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders.
• BCB refuses to play T20 World Cup matches in India, asking to relocate games to Sri Lanka.
• Government cites safety concerns for players and officials.
• ICC has yet to respond to Bangladesh’s demands.
• The move reflects worsening diplomatic and cricketing tensions between Bangladesh and India.