The Bangladesh government has ordered an immediate suspension of the broadcast and telecast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and related programmes, following the exclusion of national cricket star Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.

The directive was issued on Monday (December 5) through a notification signed by Firoz Khan, Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The order instructs television channel executives to stop airing IPL content until further notice.

KKR offical notice on Mostafiz 

According to the notification, the decision came after reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had directed the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the KKR team ahead of the IPL season scheduled to begin on March 26. The statement said no reasonable or clear justification for the move was known, and described the decision as one that has deeply hurt, shocked, and angered the people of Bangladesh.

Mustafizur Rahman, popularly known as “The Fizz,” is one of Bangladesh’s most prominent international cricketers and has previously enjoyed successful stints in the IPL. His exclusion has triggered strong reactions among fans, former players, and commentators in Bangladesh.

The government notification emphasized that, in light of the situation, broadcasting IPL matches and associated events would remain suspended until new instructions are issued.

Meanwhile, voices from Bangladesh’s sporting community have urged India to keep cricket free from political considerations. Analysts and commentators stressed that cricket, as a global sport, should serve as a bridge between nations rather than a platform for political influence, calling on Indian authorities to clearly separate sports from politics.

BOB Post