Mustafizur Rahman Row Deepens: Bangladesh Mulls Stopping IPL Broadcast?

Dhaka: A fresh controversy involving Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has pushed cricket relations between India and Bangladesh into uncomfortable territory. The row, triggered by his sudden release from the IPL, has now spilled beyond the boundary. Bangladesh is considering suspending the broadcast of the Indian Premier League, a move that could impact millions of cricket viewers.

Is the IPL broadcast really under threat?

Yes, and that is what has raised eyebrows on both sides of the border.

Government adviser Asif Nazrul said he has requested the adviser to Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry to ensure that the IPL broadcast is halted in the country.

"I have requested the adviser for Information and Broadcasting to ensure that the broadcast of the IPL in Bangladesh is also suspended. Under no circumstances will we tolerate any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers, or Bangladesh itself. The days of servitude are over," he said.

“As the adviser in charge of the Ministry of Sports, I have instructed the Cricket Control Board to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC,” he wrote on Facebook.

Bangladesh authorities are reviewing whether to suspend the live broadcast of the IPL in the country.

Could this affect World Cup matches too?

The ripple effects may not stop at the IPL. Bangladesh has reportedly raised concerns about playing its T20 World Cup matches in India, citing player security and the recent developments around Mustafizur.

Taking to official Facebook handle, Nazrul wrote in Bengali, “The board must make it clear that if a Bangladeshi cricketer, despite being under contract, cannot play in India, then the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling to India to play the World Cup. I have also directed the board to formally request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka instead.”

While no formal request has been approved yet, the very discussion of shifting venues shows how serious the situation has become. The BCCI, however, has maintained that major tournament schedules cannot be altered at short notice.

What sparked the Mustafizur controversy?

The issue began when the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released the Bangladesh left-arm pacer, bought for Rs 9.20 crore after a bidding war at last month’s auction in Abu Dhabi, following instructions linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision came at a sensitive time, with political tensions and security concerns dominating discussions off the field.

In Bangladesh, the move was seen as abrupt and unfair. Officials and former players questioned why a contracted international cricketer was dragged into a matter that had nothing to do with cricket.

Why is Bangladesh so upset?

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur is not just another overseas player. He is one of the country’s most recognisable cricket faces. Senior figures in the interim government believe the decision undermines Bangladeshi players and raises questions about their safety and respect while playing in India.

Some officials have gone a step further, warning that such actions could affect Bangladesh’s participation in future tournaments hosted in India. The tone from Dhaka has been unusually sharp for a cricket dispute.

What happens next?

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is holding internal consultations and is expected to take a clearer stand soon. Behind the scenes, efforts are also being made to prevent the issue from escalating further.