Bangladesh Lifts IPL Broadcast Ban, Allows Telecast Again
The IPL was recently removed from television in Bangladesh. After three discussions involving the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the BCCI and the ICC, a decision was made for Bangladesh to no longer air Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches (in Bangladesh). The decision has left cricket fans puzzled as to why one of the largest leagues worldwide is no longer available to see on television. Now this issue has been publically addressed, and it is much more timely than you would think.
The Broadcast & Telecommunication authority of Bangladesh (BTTAB) has now granted the IPL broadcast permission to return to their nation. With this newly awarded licensing agreement, Bangladesh has also made a strong push to resume hosting international cricket hosting (against India) during the remainder of 2021. There does not appear to be a confirmed direct link, however it is unusual that the BCB would issue a "new" licensing agreement with regards to the IPL's return to Bangladesh (after three previous, unsuccessful attempts). The order to allow IPL broadcasts to return to Bangladesh originates directly from Deputy Prime Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan.
Bangladesh lifts Indian Premier League broadcast ban
“No one applied to us to telecast the IPL. We don’t want to mix politics with sport. We will look at it from a commercial perspective, and if any channel applies to telecast the IPL, we will consider it positively,” Swapan said. He did not leave much room for doubt after that. “We will not bar anyone from telecasting it. If Star Sports wants to telecast it, they can. If any of our channels want to telecast it, we will take it positively, but we will not force anything.“
This is very different from what happened earlier. Back then, the tournament was not shown at all. Now, the message is simple, anyone who wants to broadcast it is free to do so. Even the Cable Operators Association confirmed there is no restriction anymore.
“If Star Sports telecasts the IPL in Bangladesh, they can do it because no one has asked us to stop it,” said Rezaul Karim Lablu. “Those directives do not have any value now. If the current government asks us to stop it, we will do so, but as of now, there are no such instructions.“
