The BCCI has dismissed the growing diplomatic row with Bangladesh as “of no real consequence”, even as the neighboring country has imposed a blackout on IPL 2026 and formally requested the ICC to shift its upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka.
BCCI’s ‘business as usual’ stance on Bangladesh’s shock move
A former BCCI official downplayed the impact of the decision by the Bangladesh government and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), calling the reaction a natural consequence of recent developments. He also stressed that neither India nor IPL 2026 will face any real consequences.
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The recent incident now threatens to strain cricket relations between India and Bangladesh and poses a fresh challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the scheduling of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.
“Every action has a reaction. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is only doing what is within its power. ‘Taqleef hui hai’ (they must have hurt), so obviously there will be a reaction,” the former BCCI official was quoted as saying by ANI.
Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman’s exit from IPL
The shocking release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team just ahead of the IPL 2026 season sparked controversy. The Indian Cricket Board had ordered KKR to release Mustafizur from the IPL 2026 squad due to political pressure in view of the current situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Following the violent incidents in Bangladesh and the killing of Hindu community members, Indian fans and politicians demanded a ban on Bangladeshi players in IPL 2026, leading BCCI and KKR to take drastic steps, which is now being considered disrespectful by the BCB and the government.
Bangladesh’s two-pronged response
- IPL broadcast suspension: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh ordered all domestic broadcasters to indefinitely suspend the telecast of IPL 2026 matches.
“This is to inform that a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to notice, whereby Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mr. Mustafizur Rahman has been left out of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament commencing on March 26, 2026,” the ministry said in an official statement.
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The order further reads, “There is no known reasonable justification for such a decision by the BCCI, and this decision has caused pain, distress and anger among the people of Bangladesh. As a result, the Government said it is compelled to take action. Under the circumstances, until further instructions are issued, it is ordered that the telecast/broadcast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and related programs be suspended.”
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026 venue change request: After an emergency meeting, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted a formal request to the ICC.
BCB asked ICC to shift Bangladesh’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India. However, BCCI and the governing body are yet to respond to BCB’s demand.