Decision on IPL broadcast ban after legal assessment: Rizwana

Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday said any decision on whether to stop broadcasting Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bangladesh would be taken after reviewing the legal basis and thoroughly examining the relevant procedures.

She made the remarks while responding to queries from journalists at Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) dialogue at the Secretariat.

The controversy began earlier on Saturday when KKR released Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur following a BCCI directive triggered by political pressure.

After the expulsion, Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul in a Facebook post said he has requested the information adviser to ensure that IPL matches are no longer broadcast in Bangladesh.

Asked about the matter, Rizwana Hasan said it would have been best if sports could have remained within the realm of sports but unfortunately politics has been brought into the game.

She said even when political tensions exist between two countries, cultural exchanges and sports are often seen as ways to reduce such tensions. “But in this case, we have seen the opposite happen.”

Despite initially confirming a Bangladeshi player’s participation, a decision was later taken not to include him on political grounds, Rizwana said. “Such decisions naturally hurt the sentiments of the people of our country and trigger public reaction.”

BSRF President Masudul Haque chaired the event, while its General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal conducted the discussion.