Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast due to rising tensions with neighboring India

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Bans IPL Broadcasts Amid Cricket Row with India

The government of Bangladesh has announced a ban on broadcasting this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), following the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to drop star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders. The move comes after the BCCI instructed the IPL franchise to release Rahman.

In a statement, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the decision as “necessary” to ensure the safety and security of the country’s cricket contingent in India. The government has also refused to play their matches at next month’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup in India, instead demanding that the tournament be held in Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s directors met on Sunday and confirmed their decision shortly afterwards. They cited concerns about the safety and security of players, officials, and other stakeholders in India as the reason for not traveling to participate in the tournament. The board is urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take swift action.

Tensions have been rising between India and Bangladesh in recent weeks, following protests and disagreements over various issues. The IPL, scheduled from March 26 to May 31, has become a focal point of the dispute. The ICC has not publicly responded to Bangladesh’s demand for the World Cup matches to be held in Sri Lanka.

Source: Al Jazeera