Bangladesh and Mukesh Ambani (Source: AFP)
Bangladesh appeared ready to soften its stance on broadcasting the IPL 2026, raising hopes among fans that the tournament would return to television screens. However, just as the situation seemed to improve, a new development has complicated matters further.
Despite signals from the Bangladesh government that the earlier ban could be reconsidered, a new twist has been added to the situation.
Mustafizur Rahman's removal triggers controversy in Bangladesh
It is important to mention that the controversy began when Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Reports suggested that the decision was taken following instructions from the BCCI.
This move triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh. The decision came at a sensitive time, as diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh were already rising due to political and social developments.
The exclusion of the Bangladeshi pacer was seen as disrespectful in the country. In response, Bangladesh's Information Ministry imposed a ban on IPL broadcasts.
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Mustafizur Rahman is currently playing in PSL 2026 for the Lahore Qalandars. The star bowler, as of now, has played in two matches and has bagged two wickets at an economy rate of 4.87. Overall, in PSL, he has played in 7 matches and scalped 6 wickets at an economy rate of 5.91.
Commercial dispute becomes the real barrier
Although the Bangladesh government later indicated that it might reconsider the ban, the situation took a different turn due to a commercial dispute. India’s JioStar, which held IPL broadcasting rights in the region, ended its agreement with Bangladesh-based TSports.
“The agreement stands terminated with immediate effect,” a JioStar letter, accessed by Reuters, said to TSports. The Bangladeshi firm had sublicensed the rights for IPL seasons from 2023 to 2027.
The termination was reportedly due to repeated payment delays by TSports. JioStar cited continued failure to make on-time payments as the primary reason for ending the deal, according to The Daily Star.
This development has effectively blocked any possibility of IPL being broadcast in Bangladesh this season, regardless of the government’s final decision on the earlier ban.
No broadcast despite Government flexibility
The most surprising part of the situation is that even if Bangladesh lifts its ban completely, IPL matches will still not be shown in the country this season. This is because there is currently no authorised broadcaster to air the tournament.
Officials had earlier indicated that any final decision would depend on discussions with the sports ministry. However, the exit of JioStar has made those discussions less relevant in practical terms.
IPL 2026 so far
The IPL 2026 started on March 28 with defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rajat-Patidar-led RCB started this season on a positive note, defeating Ishan-Kishan-led SRH by 6 wickets (with 26 balls remaining).
In the second match of the tournament, the Mumbai Indians faced the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Talking about this match, Hardik Pandya and co defeated KKR by 6 wickets.
Rajasthan Royals will take on the Chennai Super Kings in the third match of the tournament at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
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