Bangladesh bans IPL broadcasts after Mustafizur snub

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DHAKA/NEW DELHI, Jan 5 - Bangladeshs interim government on Monday banned broadcasts of this years Indian Premier League (IPL),the latest flashpoint in a growing row with neighbouring India.

The move follows the Indian cricket boards decision to have Kolkata Knight Riders drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who had signed for the IPL franchise for this season.

Bangladesh have also refused to play their matches of next months Twenty20 World Cup in India, demanding those be staged in Sri Lanka, co-host of the 20-team tournament.

The unceremonious dumping of a star player like Mustafizur from the IPL defied logic and had hurt people, the countrys Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement explaining its decision.

The IPL, the worlds richest T20 league, is scheduled from March 26 to May 31.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) did not reply to Reuters emails inquiring whether it would agree to Bangladeshs demand of playing their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks between India and Bangladesh.

Hundreds protested near Bangladeshs High Commission in New Delhi last month after a Hindu factory worker was beaten and set on fire in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district over allegations he insulted the Prophet Muhammad.

Following the protests, the Indian board asked Knight Riders to drop Mustafizur. REUTERS