The Indian Premier League (IPL) has suffered another setback, but this time the big question is not about politics or players. It’s about money. After Bangladesh ordered an indefinite ban on the telecast of IPL 2026 in the country, many wondered whether the BCCI would face a serious financial blow.
Bangladesh IPL broadcast ban: How much money will BCCI actually lose?
The political decision to ban IPL telecast in Bangladesh has raised a big question about the financial loss to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The ban came after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following BCCI’s directive in the wake of the alleged killing of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Now, the Bangladesh pacer’s controversial exclusion from IPL 2026 due to political pressure has become a national issue. The fallout has now reached the ICC as well, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) pushing to shift its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka.
Also read: Murder of democracy in IPL!! Mustafizur Rahman was ousted without the consent of the Governing Council
There are speculations about serious losses, but industry experts have suggested minimal financial blow to BCCI. Experts tracking the sports business believe that losing Bangladesh as a broadcast market will not have any significant impact on the IPL’s revenue stream.
BCCI is largely secure from the broadcast revenue point of view. The media rights of IPL for the 2023 to 2027 cycle have already been settled for Rs 48,390.32 crore. The deal is a contract-based agreement for a global package, meaning payments are fixed despite temporary broadcasting restrictions in individual countries.
The sub-licensing rights for the Bangladesh region are held by T Sports until 2027. Industry experts confirm that these payments are also tied to contractual agreements. Therefore, unless the force majeure clause is invoked, the fee is likely to already be secured even if the matches are not shown on television. This means that BCCI’s main media rights income remains intact for now.
Santosh N, managing partner of valuation services provider D&P Advisory Services, was quoted by Business Standard as saying, “I don’t think this move to ban IPL telecast in Bangladesh will have any major impact. It does not impact BCCI’s revenues, nor will it lead to any change in the payments paid by the broadcasters.”
estimating real financial risk
Bangladesh have had very limited on-field presence in the IPL over the years, with only two or three players playing regularly in recent seasons. As a result, there is not expected to be a major impact on total viewership and advertiser interest.
Also read: BCCI unhappy with Bangladesh banning broadcast of IPL 2026, demands change of venue of T20 World Cup 2026
Brand Finance’s Azimon Francis estimates that even if Bangladesh’s ban continues for a longer period, the total financial impact on the IPL will be below 2 per cent, potentially in the range of ₹40-60 crore when considering all hypothetical downstream impacts.
Advertising is another area where fear seems to run high. Due to the continued global reach of the IPL, any losses from Bangladeshi advertisers will be quickly compensated by brands from other markets.
“Any revenue loss will be compensated by the entry of other brands. The IPL continues to grow, and existing sponsors may increase their advertising in the upcoming season,” said N Chandramouli, chief executive officer, TRA Research.
The real losers: Bangladeshi stakeholders
The real loss will be felt more by Bangladeshi broadcasters and local advertisers rather than the IPL or BCCI.
1. Broadcaster (Tea Sports): They lose advertising revenue for which they have already paid a certain rights fee.
2. Local Advertisers: Bangladeshi brands are deprived of a major marketing platform.
3. Fan: They are deprived of seeing world class players playing in the IPL.
