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Bangladesh to Decide on IPL Broadcast Ban After Minister's Return

Bangladesh's Sports Minister states a decision on lifting the ban on IPL broadcasts will be made after the Information Minister returns from abroad on March 30. The ban was initially imposed by the interim government in protest after Kolkata Knight Riders did not allow Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman to play. The new democratic government, which took office in February, has sought the Sports Ministry's opinion on whether to lift the restriction. The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 28.

Key Points: Bangladesh IPL Broadcast Ban Decision Awaits Minister

  • Ban imposed over Mustafizur Rahman dispute
  • Decision pending Information Minister's return
  • New government reviewing previous order
  • Sports Ministry's opinion sought
2 min read

Bangladesh to decide on IPL broadcast ban after Information Minister's return, says Sports Minister Aminul Haque

Bangladesh will decide on lifting the IPL broadcast ban after the Information Minister returns. The ban was imposed over Mustafizur Rahman's KKR dispute.

"We will make the decision... after consulting with the Information Minister. - Aminul Haque"

Dhaka, March 28

Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque said on Saturday that the decision on whether to lift the ban on broadcasting the Indian Premier League in Bangladesh will be made after the information minister returns to the country from abroad.

The information minister of Bangladesh, Zahiruddin Swapan, is currently on an official tour abroad. He is expected to return to Bangladesh on March 30.

"We will make the decision about lifting the ban on IPL broadcast in Bangladesh after consulting with the Information Minister. The Information Minister is currently on a foreign tour, and once he returns to the country, we will discuss it with him. In fact, after gaining more detailed knowledge on the matter, we will consult with him and then make a decision," Aminul Haque told ANI over the phone.

The sports minister also said that the Information Ministry had sent a letter to the Ministry of Sports to seek their opinion on this matter.

Earlier, in protest against the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders not allowing Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman to play, the Bangladesh interim government decided to ban the live broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh.

On January 5, the interim government of Bangladesh issued a letter instructing that all live broadcasting of the IPL, or any IPL-related events in Bangladesh, should be halted until further notice.

Then, on February 12, following the general election in Bangladesh, the new democratic government took office, and after assuming power, the Ministry of Information sent a letter to the Ministry of Sports to inquire whether the ban on IPL broadcasting would be lifted.

The Ministry had stated that, so far, they have not received the opinion from the Ministry of Sports. Once the opinion is received, a decision will be made based on it.

IPL 2026 is set to kick off from March 28, with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set to take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad, while KKR will begin their campaign against five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who enjoys cricket diplomacy, I hope they lift the ban soon. It's a great platform for players from both nations. Mustafizur's case was unfortunate, but holding back entertainment for millions of fans isn't the solution.
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Arjun K
Typical bureaucratic delay! The new government has been in power for months. They should have sorted this out before the season started. Our Bangladeshi neighbours are missing out on great cricket. Hope sense prevails.
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Priyanka N
I understand Bangladesh's initial sentiment to protect their player, but a permanent ban hurts their own broadcasters and fans. The IPL is a global event now. KKR's decision was likely based on team composition, not nationality. Let's move on.
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Vikram M
Frankly, the IPL will do just fine with or without the Bangladesh broadcast. But it's a loss for their cricket lovers. Many young players there look up to IPL stars. Hope the Information Minister makes a quick, sensible decision after his return.
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Kriti O
It's a bit ironic. Bangladeshi players benefit so much from the IPL experience. Look at Shakib, Tamim in the past. This ban only creates unnecessary tension. Our cultures and love for cricket are so similar. Bhai-chara should extend to the sports field too!

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