Cricket lovers in Bangladesh can’t enjoy the high-octane T20 action of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while relaxing in their homes. There’s a lull in the international schedule of the IPL. Bangladesh’s men’s team won’t play a match until April 17, as New Zealand is set to tour them.
However, in this brief period, cricket enthusiasts in Bangladesh could’ve turned to the IPL instead. Yes, due to geopolitical reasons, Mustafizur Rahman couldn’t feature in the league, despite getting bought at the auction by the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Initial ban on IPL 2026 coverage lifted
But that doesn’t mean that the common man of Bangladesh can’t switch his television on to watch some live action between some of the best cricketers in the world. Sadly, it can’t happen. Initially, the Bangladesh government had banned the telecast of the IPL 2026, citing the mistreatment of Mustafizur.
However, in the last couple of months, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has improved. A couple of days ago, Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that the government has decided to lift the ban on the coverage of the league.
JioStar ends Bangladesh deal prematurely
This was a great development. It meant that cricket lovers in Bangladesh won’t suffer. But, unfortunately, the IPL 2026 still won’t be broadcast in Bangladesh. According to Reuters, JioStar, the official rights holder for the tournament, has terminated its sublicensing deal in Bangladesh.
JioStar had sold the rights for the 2023 to 2027 seasons of the IPL to TSports. However, JioStar has been forced to end the deal prematurely. “The agreement stands terminated with immediate effect,” Jio wrote to TSports in a termination letter. The official reason behind the termination was “continued failure and default in adhering to the payment timelines stipulated under the agreement”.
Unless JioStar finds another candidate in no time, it’s safe to assume that there won’t be any official coverage of IPL 2026 in Bangladesh.
