The Bangladesh government has ordered an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the country, in response to mounting controversy surrounding the removal of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
According to official statements, all broadcasts, promotions and related IPL media coverage have been suspended with immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities say the decision was taken “in the public interest” after strong public sentiment erupted over Rahman’s exclusion.
The controversy began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly instructed KKR to release Rahman from their 2026 roster, just weeks after he was selected for a high-profile contract. This prompted criticism from fans, former players, and political figures in Bangladesh, who felt the decision lacked transparency and fairness.
The ban on IPL telecasts marks a significant escalation in the dispute, reflecting broader frustration over perceived treatment of Bangladeshi players in international leagues. The move could impact viewership and commercial interests for IPL content in Bangladesh, a key market for cricket broadcasting, and underscores how sports decisions can reverberate into diplomatic and cultural arenas.
Further developments may hinge on ongoing diplomatic and cricket board discussions as relations between cricketing authorities and fans in both nations continue to evolve.
Will Shah Rukh Khan's KKR Team Get Refund Of ₹ 9.20 Crore After Releasing B'deshi Pacer Mustafizur Rahman? Check Details
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are expected to receive a full refund of the ₹ 9.20 crore they spent on Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 mini‑auction, league sources say, after the BCCI directed the franchise to release him from their squad due to external developments.
Under the IPL auction and operational guidelines, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) withdraws a player from a squad for non‑cricketing reasons, such as diplomatic or security concerns, the franchise is typically entitled to have the player’s entire auction price credited back to their purse. In Mustafizur’s case, this means the ₹ 9.20 crore should be restored to KKR’s budget, allowing them to hunt for a replacement of comparable quality without having their spending curtailed.
The situation is being treated as a force majeure, meaning the contract is voided due to extraordinary events beyond the control of both player and franchise. This provision is rare but applicable when the governing board formally intervenes, enabling KKR to regain full auction funds and re‑enter the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) or a replacement draft with their original financial strength intact.
While there has been no official statement detailing the exact mechanics of the refund process, the expectation is that KKR will have the full ₹ 9.20 crore credited back, which they can use to sign a new overseas player, keeping their competitive balance for IPL 2026 intact.
