Government would examine law before deciding on IPL broadcast ban: Rizwana

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the government would examine the legal framework and procedures before deciding whether the IPL broadcast in Bangladesh could be suspended.

Speaking at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum on Sunday (January 4), she said the decision to drop Mustafizur could not be justified on sporting grounds alone and therefore warranted a response.

The development comes in response following the exclusion of pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“If this had been a purely cricketing decision, the matter would have been different,” Rizwana said. “But the rationale given is not acceptable. We will review the legal basis and take appropriate action.” She added that any steps taken would not undermine Bangladesh–India bilateral relations.

The issue has also drawn strong reaction from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which said it does not view the matter as a routine franchise cricket issue. Board officials warned that failure to ensure the safety of an international cricketer raises broader concerns about the security of the national team, particularly ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

According to the BCB, if satisfactory security assurances are not provided, it may approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek relocation of Bangladesh’s World Cup matches to a neutral venue, such as Sri Lanka.

Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul has already urged authorities to explore the option of a venue change, while BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said there would be “no compromise” on players’ dignity and safety.

The BCB is preparing to send two formal letters—one to the IPL authorities and another to the ICC. The responses to those letters, along with the government’s legal assessment, are expected to shape decisions on the future of IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh and the country’s participation in the World Cup.