Ban on IPL broadcast in Bangladesh: As per the recent developments, BCB government advisor Asif Nazrul has reportedly ordered the Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to stop IPL telecast in Bangladesh, as the message is clear that the nation will not tolerate any disrespect.
Like India-Pakistan relations, India-Bangladesh relations have also deteriorated rapidly since their former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deported from the country following anti-government protests and later sentenced to death by a tribunal.
Since then, under the new interim government, religious conflicts have escalated, and Hindus are being targeted and brutally attacked in Bangladesh.
Although the BCCI has not cited any political unrest as the root cause of Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the IPL, the reason triggering the directive could clearly be the protests by Indian groups and the ongoing anti-Bangladesh campaign in India.
BCB IPL ban: BCB advisor orders to stop IPL broadcast in Bangladesh
After BCCI removed Mustafizur Rahman from IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders without giving any reason despite being bought in the auction, BCB has taken a major step against the IPL proceedings in the country.
Government advisor Asif Nazrul requested that advisors to the Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry ensure that IPL matches are not telecast in the country.
“I have requested the Information and Broadcasting Advisor to ensure that the telecast of IPL in Bangladesh is also suspended.
He said, “We will not tolerate insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers or Bangladesh under any circumstances. The days of slavery are over.”
T20 World Cup venue change: BCB to urge ICC to shift T20 World Cup group matches to Sri Lanka
The BCB has been gradually attempting to smooth things over between the two boards, especially after India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had attended the funeral of former PM Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. He then announced the schedule of Bangladesh’s tour of India, which was postponed from 2025 to 2026.
However, after Mustafizur Rahman’s rejection, the consultant has advised the BCB and president Aminul Islam Bulbul to seek help from the ICC and ensure that Bangladesh’s matches are shifted from India to Sri Lanka.
“As the advisor in charge of the Sports Ministry, I have directed the Board of Control for Cricket to put the entire matter in writing and explain it to the ICC,” Nazrul wrote in Bengali on his Facebook page.
The logic seemed simple; According to the BCB, if a contracted player cannot join franchise cricket in India, the national team, including the same player (Mustafizur Rahman), does not feel safe traveling to India for ICC tournaments.
BCCI official calls BCB’s demand for changing the venue nonsense
Bangladesh has to play its three matches of T20 World Cup in Kolkata and the last match in Mumbai and suddenly they have demanded ICC and BCCI to change the venue. This is evident from Bangladesh’s demand for a Pakistan-like arrangement, where any match involving Bangladesh, even in the knockouts, will be played at three venues in co-host Sri Lanka.
A BCCI source confirmed to TOI that such changes cannot be made just like that, and hence, it is almost impossible with almost a month left for the tournament.
“You can’t change a game according to someone’s wishes and desires. It’s a nightmare. Think about the opposition teams. Their air tickets and hotels are booked.
The source concluded, “Also, there are three games each on all days, which means one game is in Sri Lanka. There is a broadcast crew there. So it may be easier said than done.”
Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman’s replacement in KKR: 7 fast bowlers Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise should target after BCCI’s directive
