ISLAMABAD: The Bangladesh government has imposed an indefinite ban on thebroadcast and streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across thecountry, dealing a significant blow to India’s cricketing economy estimatedin billions of rupees. This decision follows the Board of Control forCricket in India (BCCI) directive forcing Kolkata Knight Riders to releaseBangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season,amid heightened political tensions between the two nations.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the order on January 4,2026, directing all television channels and radio stations to suspend IPLcoverage immediately. The move was described as a response to the perceivedinsult to national pride caused by Rahman’s exclusion, who had beenacquired by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore in the recent mini-auction. Officials inDhaka viewed the BCCI’s action as politically motivated, linked to recentunrest in Bangladesh.
This ban comes shortly after reports of Bangladesh considering a boycott oftheir T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India, further escalating thediplomatic strain through sport. The IPL, the world’s richest T20 league,relies heavily on international viewership, including a substantialaudience in neighbouring Bangladesh where cricket enjoys immense popularityamong millions of fans.
Industry estimates suggest that Bangladesh contributes significantly to theIPL’s broadcast revenue through sublicensing deals and advertising.Previous cycles have seen regional broadcasters paying substantial fees,with the loss of this market potentially costing the IPL rights holdershundreds of millions in viewership-driven income, translating to billionsof rupees over the season.
Rahman, a key death bowler known for his variations, had become a regularIPL participant since 2016, representing multiple franchises. His forcedrelease, confirmed by KKR following BCCI instructions citing “recentdevelopments,” sparked widespread outrage in Bangladesh, prompting callsfrom government advisers to halt IPL transmissions.
The IPL’s global media rights for the 2023-2027 cycle were sold for overUS$6 billion, with a large portion derived from the Indian subcontinent.Bangladesh’s large cricket-following population drives high ratings forIndian leagues, boosting advertiser interest and sponsorship values thatrun into billions annually.
Experts note that while the direct sublicensing fee to Bangladeshibroadcasters may be in crores, the indirect impact through lost viewershipand regional advertising could amplify the financial hit. The ban affectsboth traditional TV and digital streaming platforms, cutting off access forBangladeshi viewers entirely.
This development joins Pakistan in excluding IPL broadcasts, narrowing theleague’s South Asian reach at a time when it aims to expand globally. TheBCCI has not officially commented on the potential revenue implications,but sources indicate concern over the precedent set for internationalparticipation.
Bangladesh’s decision also coincides with requests to the InternationalCricket Council to shift their T20 World Cup fixtures away from India,citing player safety concerns stemming from the same row. If upheld, theIPL ban could persist, affecting future seasons and bilateral cricketingrelations.
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The financial ramifications extend beyond broadcasts, as Bangladeshiplayers’ involvement in the IPL generates lucrative contracts and exposure.Rahman’s Rs 9.20 crore deal alone highlights the economic stakes forindividuals and the Bangladesh Cricket Board through central contracts anddevelopment.
As tensions simmer, observers warn that politicising cricket could lead tobroader boycotts, diminishing the IPL’s appeal in a key market. Theleague’s organisers may need to explore alternative strategies to mitigatethe loss, including enhanced digital outreach or new regional partnerships.
The episode underscores the fragile intersection of sport and geopoliticsin South Asia, where cricket often mirrors diplomatic relations. With theIPL 2026 season approaching, the ban represents not just a sporting rebukebut a substantial economic setback valued in the billions for India’spremier T20 extravaganza.
Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/bangladesh-government-orders-suspension-of-ipl-broadcast-and-streaming-indefinitely-as-mustafizur-rahman-row-deepens-101767598597048.html
Tags: Bangladesh, India, IPL, Mustafizur Rahman, BCCI, T20 World Cup
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