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Kapil Dev on Bangladeshi Golfers: "We Haven't Talked" Amid IPL Tensions

Indian cricket legend and PGTI President Kapil Dev stated that the Professional Golf Tour of India has not yet discussed the participation of Bangladeshi golfers in its tournaments. He made these remarks while launching the new franchise UP Prometheus, noting that other sports are trying to emulate the success of the IPL. This comes as the Bangladesh government suspended the broadcast of IPL 2026 matches following the BCCI's directive to KKR to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman. The BCCI's move was reportedly in response to issues concerning minorities in Bangladesh.

Key Points: Kapil Dev on Bangladeshi Golfers in PGTI, IPL Broadcast Suspended

  • PGTI yet to discuss Bangladeshi golfers
  • Kapil Dev launches UP Prometheus franchise
  • Bangladesh suspends IPL 2026 broadcast
  • BCCI directive led to Mustafizur's release
  • PGTI aims to promote professional golf in India
2 min read

"We haven't talked": Kapil Dev on Bangladesh players in PGTI tournaments

Kapil Dev says PGTI hasn't discussed Bangladeshi golfers' participation as Bangladesh suspends IPL 2026 broadcast over Mustafizur Rahman's release.

"We haven't talked. We will sit down at the board, and we will try to talk. - Kapil Dev"

Noida, January 5

Indian cricket legend and President of PGTI Kapil Dev on Monday said the PGTI had not discussed participation of Bangladeshi golfers in their tournaments.

"We haven't talked. We will sit down at the board, and we will try to talk," Kapil Dev said on the sidelines of launching franchise UP Prometheus in 72 the league.

Speaking to the reporters, Kapil Dev said that other sports are also trying to make their leagues successful, just like the Indian Premier League.

"After watching the IPL league in cricket, other sports are also trying to make their leagues as successful... We want players to get opportunities," Kapil Dev said.

PGTI was formed in September 2006. Currently, there are over 300 members of PGTI, which runs as a governing board comprising leading Indian golf professionals, eminent personalities, and corporate patrons.

PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country and create more competitive playing opportunities for its members.

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev took over as president of the PGTI in June 2024, succeeding Srinivasan H R, who became president in January 2023.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Bangladesh government decided to suspend the broadcast of Indian Premier League 2026 matches in the country after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad.

This development follows the announcement by the KKR that they had removed Bangladeshi player Rahman from their IPL 2026 roster in response to a directive from the BCCI regarding atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh.

"Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed through an official letter that, until further notice, all IPL matches and related programs will remain suspended from broadcast/telecast in Bangladesh", the Press Information Department (PID) said in a statement on Monday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Kapil Dev in this role. He's right about other sports trying to emulate IPL's success. But the timing is awkward with the Bangladesh broadcast ban. PGTI needs to think carefully about its international relations.
A
Aditya G
As an Indian, I fully support BCCI's stance. If there are genuine concerns about minority treatment, we must take a stand. Sports bodies have a responsibility too. Kapil Dev saying "we haven't talked" is a diplomatic but necessary first step.
P
Priya S
Feel bad for the players caught in the middle. Mustafizur Rahman is a talented bowler, and Bangladeshi golfers just want to compete. Hope the governments can sort this out so athletes don't suffer.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think the BCCI overstepped. A cricket board deciding foreign policy? It sets a bad precedent. Now PGTI is in a tough spot before even having a discussion. Kapil Dev's cautious approach is wise.
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Kavya N
Golf is a gentleman's game. Let's hope the PGTI board handles this with the grace the sport deserves. Banning broadcasts helps no one. We share so much culture and history with Bangladesh, we should be building bridges, not burning them.

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