In an unprecedented decision, the Government of Bangladesh has ordered an immediate ban on the telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country, following a controversy involving national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and his exclusion from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.

The move comes amid strong resentment in Bangladesh over a directive linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which led to Mustafizur Rahman being released from KKR ahead of the 2026 IPL season. The pacer, regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cricketers, was expected to play a key role for the franchise.

Government cites public sentiment and lack of justification

In an official statement, the Bangladesh government said it had taken note of the decision concerning Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL squad and expressed disappointment over the absence of a clear explanation.

The statement said the decision had “pained, saddened, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” adding that no rational reason for the move was known. Under these circumstances, authorities directed broadcasters to stop the telecast of all IPL matches and related programmes until further notice.

The order, the statement added, was issued with approval from the competent authority and in the public interest.

Possible impact on T20 World Cup participation

The dispute has also widened beyond the IPL. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup be shifted out of India.

According to the communication sent on January 4, 2026, Bangladesh has conveyed that it would not send its national team to India for the tournament scheduled to begin on February 7. The board has asked for its fixtures, originally planned in Mumbai and Kolkata, to be relocated to Sri Lanka, citing concerns over player security and trust.

The developments have raised the prospect of prolonged strain in cricketing ties between India and Bangladesh, with potential implications for future bilateral engagements.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to send its national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and government advice. This follows the release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) instruction.

Although the BCCI did not explicitly link the move to current Indo-Bangladesh relations, it stated that the decision was triggered by “what’s been happening all around.” Rahman’s sudden release prompted the BCB to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday night. After reviewing the situation again on Sunday, the Board decided the team will not travel to India for the tournament starting February 7.

BCB cites security risks for entire team

“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the BCB said in an official statement.

BCB director Khaled Mashud Pilot elaborated on the security concerns, stating, “If they (India) cannot provide security to one of our players, how will they ensure security of our entire team? That is why we will not go there to play.”

Request to ICC to shift matches

Bangladesh has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all of its T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament. “Such a step is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi players, team officials, Board members and other stakeholders,” the statement read.

Government advisor Asif Nazrul also supported the move, highlighting the ongoing “violent communal policy” and instructed the board to explain the situation to the ICC. He further suggested that if Bangladeshi players cannot feel safe in India, the national team’s participation is not feasible.

Broadcast concerns and IPL response

Nazrul added that he has requested Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry to consider suspending IPL broadcasts in the country. The KKR franchise, co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, had released Mustafizur, who was bought for Rs 9.20 crore, following the BCCI’s directive.

Tensions have risen in bilateral relations following the ouster of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India last year amid anti-government protests and was later sentenced in absentia for her alleged role in a crackdown on students.

India have officially announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 along with the T20I series against New Zealand, with some significant selection calls grabbing attention. The biggest development is the omission of Shubman Gill, who has not only been removed from the vice-captaincy role but also dropped entirely from the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.

The selection panel has opted for continuity in leadership, retaining Suryakumar Yadav as captain, while all-rounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the new vice-captain. The same squad will feature in both the global tournament and the bilateral T20I series against New Zealand.

Axar Patel elevated, Ishan Kishan returns

Axar Patel’s elevation to vice-captain reflects the team management’s trust in his all-round abilities and recent performances. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made a return to the national setup, replacing Jitesh Sharma, who has been left out of the squad.

Kishan’s recall follows his impressive outing in domestic cricket, where he played a key role in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, strengthening his case for a comeback in the shortest format.

Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar included

Middle-order batter Rinku Singh has found a place in the squad, adding depth to India’s batting line-up, while Washington Sundar’s inclusion boosts the all-round options available to the team. The bowling attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, supported by spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Harshit Rana has also been named in the squad, underlining the selectors’ intent to back emerging pace options.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20Is

The squad announced for both assignments includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh.