Bangladesh lifts ban on broadcast of IPL matches after Mustafizur row

Bangladesh has cleared the way for the telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan confirming that there are no restrictions on airing the tournament in the country.

In what marks a policy shift, Swapan said the government does not want to mix politics with sports and will instead view the matter from a commercial angle. He added that broadcasters interested in airing the IPL can apply, and their proposals will be considered positively.

The clarification comes after the previous interim administration had halted IPL telecasts in Bangladesh, creating confusion among broadcasters and cable operators ahead of the tournament. Swapan noted that no channel had formally applied to air the event and reiterated that the government would welcome such requests.

He also indicated that international networks such as Star Sports are free to broadcast the IPL if they choose. According to him, authorities will neither impose restrictions nor compel any broadcaster, reflecting a more open approach to sports telecasting.

Earlier, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque had suggested that the issue would be reviewed through discussions with stakeholders. The latest statement from the Information Minister now confirms that the government has moved away from the earlier restrictive stance.

The Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh has also supported the development. Its office secretary, Rezaul Karim Lablu, said there are currently no directives preventing IPL broadcasts, and cable operators would not block any feed in the absence of official instructions.

Lablu further clarified that directives issued under the previous interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus are no longer relevant, meaning operators are free to carry IPL coverage unless new orders are issued.

The earlier ban was reportedly imposed after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked Kolkata Knight Riders to end Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s contract for IPL 2026, amid tensions following violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
 

With inputs from IANS