Dhaka

Bangladesh Sports Minister Aminul Haque on Saturday said a decision on lifting the ban on broadcasting the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the country will be taken after consultations with Information Minister Zahiruddin Swapan.

Swapan is currently on an official visit abroad and is expected to return to Bangladesh on March 30.

“We will make the decision after consulting with the Information Minister… once he returns, we will discuss the matter and take a call,” Haque said.

The Sports Minister added that the Ministry of Information has already sought the opinion of the Ministry of Sports on the issue, and a final decision will follow after internal consultations.

The IPL broadcast was earlier suspended by the interim government in Bangladesh following a controversy involving Mustafizur Rahman and the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. The move came after the cricketer was reportedly not allowed to participate in the tournament.

On January 5, authorities directed that all live broadcasts of IPL matches and related content be halted until further notice.

Following the general elections on February 12, a new government assumed office and began reviewing the decision. The Ministry of Information subsequently reached out to the Sports Ministry to seek its recommendation on whether the ban should continue.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2026 season has commenced, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.

Kolkata Knight Riders are set to begin their campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

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The final decision on the broadcast ban is expected shortly after the Information Minister’s return, as discussions between the concerned ministries conclude.