Fizz out before the first ball as Bangladesh pulls plug on IPL

MUMBAI: When cricket diplomacy slips, even the biggest league can be left on mute. Bangladesh has ordered an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League, escalating a controversy triggered by the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the new season.

In an official communication dated January 5, the Bangladesh government confirmed that all IPL-related broadcasts, promotions and event coverage have been suspended with immediate effect and will remain so “until further orders”. The decision, approved by the competent authority, was described as being taken in the “public interest”.

The move follows KKR’s decision to release Mustafizur, which Bangladeshi authorities said was conveyed as an instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and lacked “any logical reason”. Citing this, the government said it had been compelled to halt all IPL-related telecasts and promotional activity across the country.

The fallout has not stopped at television screens. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided not to send its national team to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and government advice. Bangladesh are scheduled to play all four of their league matches in India under the existing tournament plan.

While the BCCI has not publicly linked Mustafizur’s release to bilateral relations, it indicated that broader considerations informed the decision. The pacer’s abrupt exit prompted the BCB to convene an emergency meeting, followed by a unanimous board resolution that the team would not travel under the current circumstances.

“The Board reviewed developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall situation surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the BCB said. “Considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government and growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the contingent, the Board resolved that the team will not travel for the tournament.”

BCB director Khaled Mashud Pilot was more blunt. “If they cannot provide security to one of our players, how will they ensure the security of our entire team?” he said, referencing Mustafizur’s situation.

The matter is now expected to land with the ICC, as cricket’s most lucrative league finds itself entangled in a diplomatic snarl proof that in the subcontinent, the game can stop long before the first ball is bowled.