IPL 2026: JioStar Ends Broadcast Deal with Bangladesh Due to Payment Issues

JioStar has ended its broadcast agreement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with Bangladesh because of unpaid bills, as reported by Reuters. The decision came after Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasts following Kolkata Knight Riders’ release of pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

In December 2025, KKR had bought Rahman for ₹9.20 crore at the IPL mini-auction. However, they released him amid growing tensions between India and Bangladesh. JioStar informed Bangladesh’s TSports that the agreement was terminated immediately due to “continued failure” in payment by their partner.

Recently, Bangladesh’s minister claimed there were no restrictions on broadcasting IPL matches, but the government later clarified that the ban remained in place. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the previous decision to suspend IPL telecasts still held and they were seeking advice from the Ministry of Youth and Sports before making further decisions.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened further as Bangladesh refused to host their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India due to security concerns. They requested co-host Sri Lanka instead, but the ICC denied this. As a result, Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament, with Scotland taking their place.

Meanwhile, IPL 2026 began in Bengaluru on March 25th. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, won against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mumbai Indians defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai the next day, and Rajasthan Royals will face Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 27th.