Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the government will decide on whether to suspend the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bangladesh after reviewing the legal basis and procedural aspects. She made the remarks on Sunday, January 4, during a meeting with members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

The discussion arose after Bangladesh’s cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL. Following this, the law adviser proposed halting the IPL broadcast in Bangladesh. Addressing the issue, Rizwana Hasan commented that it would have been better if the game could remain within the realm of sports, but unfortunately, politics had been brought into it.

The government’s decision will depend on the outcome of the legal and procedural review, and no final decision has yet been announced.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise confirmed the decision in a press release, stating that it acted on BCCI’s instructions. According to the report, the Indian government ordered the cricket board to exclude Mustafizur, allegedly to appease hardline Hindu nationalist groups that had opposed his inclusion.

The controversy has sparked widespread criticism in Bangladesh and beyond, with many fans condemning the move as politically motivated. BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia told Indian media that the directive came from the government. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to issue an official response, saying it has not received formal communication from BCCI. Meanwhile, Hindu nationalist leaders in India have publicly praised the decision, framing it as a victory for Hindu sentiment.

The incident has raised questions about the politicization of cricket and the safety of Bangladeshi players ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled in India next month.

Police in India-administered Kashmir have placed cricketer Furkanul Haq under surveillance after a video showing him playing with a Palestinian flag sticker on his helmet went viral on social media. Authorities summoned him for questioning on Friday and initiated a 14-day preliminary inquiry to verify the facts, his intent, and any possible links. Police said the action was taken considering the sensitivity of the issue and its potential impact on public order. Under Indian law, such an inquiry can be launched with approval from a deputy superintendent for offenses punishable by three to seven years in prison.

The incident occurred during a Jammu and Kashmir Champions League match in Muthi, Jammu, where Haq represented JK Eleven Kings against Jammu Trail Blazers. Reports said he was asked to leave the field after opposing players objected to the helmet sticker. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association clarified that the matter involved local players and had no connection with the organization.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed support for Palestine on social media following the incident.

Law and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has strongly condemned the Indian Cricket Board’s decision to exclude Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a Facebook post published on Saturday night, he called the move unjustified and urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally seek an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Nazrul questioned the safety of Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India if a single Bangladeshi player was barred from playing there.

He further instructed the BCB to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. In the same post, Nazrul criticized India’s decision in strong terms and appealed to the Information and Broadcasting Adviser to suspend IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh. He stated that Bangladesh would not tolerate any insult to its cricket or players.

The post reflects growing discontent over Mustafizur’s exclusion and calls for a firm national response through diplomatic and broadcasting measures.

England’s batting lineup, which struggled in the first three Tests of the ongoing Ashes series, showed renewed form in the fourth match and carried that momentum into the final Test in Sydney. At the time of reporting, Joe Root and Harry Brook were guiding England toward a strong total, remaining unbeaten with scores of 72 and 78 respectively. England reached 211 for 3 in 45 overs before rain interrupted play at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Earlier, England’s top order faltered again as Zak Crawley (16), Ben Duckett (27), and Jacob Bethell (10) failed to build substantial innings against Australia’s pace attack. Root and Brook then steadied the innings with composed yet aggressive batting, both reaching half-centuries and moving toward centuries.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland each claimed one wicket. The match situation suggests England are in a strong position to post a large first-innings total once play resumes.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, naming Liton Das as captain and Saif Hasan as vice-captain. The announcement was made on Sunday through an official press release. The squad includes regular players who have been part of the T20 setup in recent months, with no major surprises in selection.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Ripon Mondol, who had been in discussion for their recent performances, were not included in the final squad. Lower middle-order batter Zakir Ali Anik was also left out due to poor form. The team includes Nurul Hasan Sohan and Mohammad Saifuddin among others. Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7, followed by matches against Italy, England, and Nepal.

The first three group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Kolkata and the final one in Mumbai. However, the BCB plans to send a letter to the ICC requesting that the matches not be held in India due to the current political situation.

India’s cricket board (BCCI) has expelled Bangladesh’s only player in the current IPL season, Mustafizur Rahman, following what it described as recent events linked to alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The decision came just two days after Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka to pay respects to Khaleda Zia and delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoting bilateral ties. Officials and analysts in Dhaka said the expulsion shows India’s hostile stance toward Bangladesh remains unchanged.

According to the report, BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur from their squad, a move that followed pressure from extremist Hindu groups and political figures across India. Several leaders from the BJP, Congress, and Shiv Sena publicly demanded his removal, while actor Shah Rukh Khan, KKR’s owner, faced threats for including a Bangladeshi player. The All India Imam Organization also criticized Khan, echoing claims of minority persecution in Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi diplomats and analysts described the decision as evidence of India’s deep-seated antagonism toward a Muslim-majority neighbor. They argued that despite official rhetoric of friendship, Delhi’s actions reveal enduring mistrust and political manipulation in bilateral relations.

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Aminul Haque has claimed that pacer Mustafizur Rahman was a victim of a religiously motivated conspiracy after being dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The franchise reportedly acted on a special directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following protests by hardline Hindu groups demanding Mustafizur’s removal. The Bangladesh star had been signed by KKR for 92 million rupees, the highest price ever for a Bangladeshi player in the IPL.

Aminul expressed anger over the decision and urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to investigate whether any group was involved in creating a religious controversy. He warned that such incidents could strain Bangladesh-India relations and voiced concern about the safety of Bangladeshi players during the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Aminul called on both the BCB and the Bangladesh government to address the issue through dialogue and ensure player security.

He further stated that although Mustafizur might face financial loss, his national respect would remain intact, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the matter.

Youth and Sports and Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has urged the Information and Broadcasting Adviser to suspend the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Saturday night, he said the move came after the Indian cricket board allegedly instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman under pressure from extremist communal groups. Nazrul condemned the decision and termed it an insult to Bangladesh and its cricketers.

He stated that, as the minister in charge of the sports ministry, he had directed the Bangladesh Cricket Control Board to formally explain the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). He also instructed the board to inform the ICC that if a Bangladeshi player cannot play in India despite having a contract, the national team might not feel safe participating in the World Cup there. Nazrul further said he had advised the board to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka instead.

Nazrul reiterated that Bangladesh would not tolerate any insult to its cricket or cricketers and declared that the days of subservience were over.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul commented on the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped the player from their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) squad. Speaking in Sylhet after inaugurating a regional cricket center, Bulbul said he had limited information and could not make detailed comments yet. He confirmed that BCB had not received any official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the franchise.

According to the report, KKR removed Mustafizur following threats from several Hindu nationalist groups and India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The decision was reportedly made under BCCI’s instruction. The issue has raised concerns ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Threats have also been issued against these matches, including warnings about damaging the Eden Gardens pitch.

BCB media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said the board had just learned of the situation and would prioritize player safety in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). He noted that ICC safety guidelines would determine the final venue decisions.

Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation has temporarily suspended national shooter Kamrun Nahar Koli. The decision was communicated on January 1 to her employer, the Bangladesh Navy, through a letter signed by federation general secretary Ferdous Ara Begum. The letter cited violations of sections 5, 12, 13, and 14 of the federation’s code of conduct, accusing Koli of speaking to the media without permission, discouraging fellow shooters, and engaging in politics and grouping. She was asked to respond within three working days explaining why the suspension should not be made permanent.

Koli had earlier accused the federation’s joint general secretary, G.M. Haider Sajjad, of sexual harassment and filed a general diary at Gulshan Police Station on November 26. Several other shooters also protested the alleged misconduct. Sajjad was later relieved of his duties by the National Sports Council on the same day Koli received her suspension letter. Koli claimed she was targeted for raising her voice against harassment and alleged that the federation acted under Sajjad’s influence.

The suspension puts Koli’s participation in national and international competitions in doubt, threatening the career of Bangladesh’s first female World Cup shooting finalist.

Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision reportedly stems from political instability between India and Bangladesh and pressure from several hardline Hindu nationalist groups in India. The move has sparked anger among former Indian cricketers and politicians.

Former World Cup-winning cricketer Madan Lal expressed deep concern over growing political interference in sports, saying players are the ones most affected. He noted that BCCI’s decisions are rarely challenged, even by franchise owners. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif described the issue as sensitive and urged the media to remain patient while the board handles the matter. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized linking cricket with political or religious issues, arguing that excluding players like Mustafizur could harm regional cooperation and India’s sporting image.

The controversy highlights increasing overlap between politics and cricket in the region, with calls for greater tolerance and separation of sports from political disputes.

Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the exclusion of Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad. Following the decision, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sangeet Som thanked the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Social media users identifying with Hindu nationalist ideology expressed joy over the move, posting celebratory and derogatory comments about Bangladeshi players and artists.

In an interview with NDTV, Sangeet Som criticized actor Shah Rukh Khan for previously including Mustafizur in the team, calling the decision wrong and claiming it hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus. Som also accused Bangladesh of attacks on Hindus and labeled Shah Rukh Khan a traitor. Som, a former legislator from Uttar Pradesh’s Sardhana constituency, has faced serious allegations related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

Reports indicate that speculation about Mustafizur’s removal had circulated for days, with some extremist activists threatening to damage pitches if he played. The announcement has now confirmed those concerns.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has extended financial assistance to Shaheen Alam, a pacer from Bangladesh’s 2020 Under-19 World Cup-winning cricket team, who is currently facing financial hardship. The aid was delivered on Rahman’s instruction by Aminul Haque, convener of Dhaka North BNP and BNP candidate for Dhaka-16, at his Mirpur residence on Saturday. Haque, also the party’s central sports secretary and a former national football captain, assured continued support for Shaheen.

Shaheen Alam, originally from Kurigram, has been struggling with long-term injuries, family illness, and financial difficulties. Once a key pace bowler in Bangladesh’s historic youth World Cup victory in South Africa, he has been unable to play regularly due to injury and currently lacks a team in the ongoing first division league, cutting off his income.

During the handover, Aminul Haque described Shaheen as a national asset and emphasized the moral duty to support talented athletes. He also urged the cricket board to take greater responsibility for players’ welfare. Shaheen expressed gratitude to Tarique Rahman and vowed to recover and return to cricket soon.

Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh has announced it will boycott all coverage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the exclusion of Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad. The decision came after India’s cricket board, the BCCI, instructed KKR to release Mustafizur. The newspaper’s editorial board confirmed the boycott soon after the player’s removal was made public.

According to the report, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had granted Mustafizur permission to play in the IPL at the BCCI’s request, following Bangladesh’s ODI series against New Zealand. KKR had purchased Mustafizur for 92 million rupees in the recent auction, making him the highest-priced Bangladeshi player in the league. However, the BCCI has not yet formally notified the BCB about the release order.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Indian media that the decision was made due to recent events, while other Indian figures, including a religious leader and a BJP politician, had earlier criticized KKR’s signing of Mustafizur. The BCB indicated it has limited options beyond appealing to the BCCI.