Why Bangladesh fans will miss IPL 2026: JioStar ends deal for THIS reason

Dhaka: In a dramatic twist for cricket fans in Bangladesh, there will be no official broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in the country even after the government hinted at lifting its earlier ban.

The entertainment giant JioStar has terminated its IPL broadcast agreement with Bangladeshi distributor T Sports, effectively ruling out both live television and digital streaming of IPL 2026 and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in Bangladesh.

Why IPL won’t be telecast in Bangladesh

JioStar, the entity that owns the global satellite and digital rights for the IPL, cited “continued failure and default in adhering to payment timelines” by T Sports as the reason for pulling the plug on the agreement “with immediate effect.”

T Sports had previously sublicensed IPL and WPL rights from JioStar for the 2023‑27 cycle. With the contract now terminated, Bangladeshi fans have no local broadcaster to televise matches, regardless of recent policy changes in Dhaka.

Earlier, the Bangladesh government appeared to backtrack on its controversial ban on IPL broadcasts, originally imposed after a political uproar over the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite his Rs 9.2 crore auction price.

Officials had indicated that if a broadcaster came forward to show the games, they would not be stopped. However, that possibility has now evaporated with JioStar’s termination of the deal.

The government's sports ministry is still reviewing the ban, but even a policy reversal will not bring the IPL back to Bangladeshi TV screens this season, unless a new broadcasting partner is secured rapidly.

The IPL, among the most popular cricket leagues globally and a fan favourite in Bangladesh, will start without any official telecast in the country. Fans will miss out on match highlights, and exclusive commentary due to lack of local TV or streaming rights.