South Asian media landscape is facing its most significant disruption in decades. While Indian platforms continue to pay for and broadcast the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Indian broadcasters claim they are being “frozen out” of the Bangladeshi market—both financially and legally.
The Financial Fault Line
According to industry executives, the debt has accumulated over the last 18 months due to several factors:
- Forex Restrictions: Large Bangladeshi conglomerates, such as Beximco, have reportedly been unable to secure remittance clearance from the Bank of Bangladesh to pay Indian networks in U.S. dollars.
- Political Transition: Following the ouster of the previous government in 2024, the interim administration has prioritized “essential sectors” like energy and medicine, leaving commercial media payments at the bottom of the list.
- The Sum: Accumulated dues for carriage, content licensing, and settlement are estimated between ₹250 crore and ₹300 crore.
The IPL Blackout: A Reciprocity Crisis
The financial dispute has been exacerbated by a regulatory crackdown. In early January 2026, the Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered a complete suspension of IPL broadcasts.
- The Ban: Authorities cited “geopolitical and economic sensitivities” for the blackout, effectively cutting off one of India’s biggest export products.
- The Asymmetry: Indian broadcasters are frustrated that while they are blocked in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi sports properties remain fully monetized on Indian platforms like FanCode and Tata Play.
- Zero Revenue: Broadcasters note they are currently earning zero subscription or advertising revenue from Bangladesh, despite high organic demand for Indian content.
Why Broadcasters Are “Hesitating” to Cut Feeds
Despite the massive debt, Indian networks have been slow to permanently pull their “clean feeds” (broadcasts without Indian ads).
“If we cut the official feed, distributors in Bangladesh will simply pirate the retail feed from Indian satellites. Once you lose the legal market to piracy, it is nearly impossible to regain it.” — Senior Broadcast Executive
India-Bangladesh Media Trade at a Glance
| Status Metric | Detail |
| Total Estimated Dues | ₹250 – ₹300 Crore |
| Key Affected Networks | Zee, Disney Star, Sony, Viacom18 |
| Current IPL Status | Banned in Bangladesh (as of Jan 2026) |
| Major Hurdle | Central Bank (Bangladesh) refusal to clear USD remittances. |
| Piracy Risk | High; illegal “clean feed” alternatives are widespread. |
Implications for 2026
The timing of this dispute is critical. The Indian television sector is already battling a 23% drop in the advertiser base and a shift toward digital platforms. Losing a neighboring market that traditionally served as a revenue hedge is putting further pressure on the balance sheets of India’s media giants.
