Bangladesh May Block ESPNcricinfo Over Betting Ads and Tax Evasion
One of the world’s largest cricket media platforms, ESPNcricinfo, faces a potential ban in Bangladesh for displaying online betting ads to local audiences and failing to pay taxes. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) issued a legal notice to ESPN Sports Media Group on October 12, demanding that the company remove prohibited ads within seven working days and prepare income data for tax inspection.
Legal Notice from NCSA
The National Cyber Security Agency, under the Department of Information and Communication Technology, sent an official notice to the legal department of ESPN Sports Media Group Ltd — the London-registered owner of ESPNcricinfo. The email notice, dated October 12, accuses the company of violating the Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025 and Bangladesh’s tax regulations.
Key Allegations by the Agency
- Publishing and promoting online betting and gambling advertisements;
- Failure to register and pay taxes on revenue generated within Bangladesh;
- Violating national laws prohibiting the advertising of gambling platforms.
The agency emphasized that any advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate links connected to gambling or betting services are considered illegal in Bangladesh. Under current law, distributing or promoting such material carries both administrative and criminal liability.
Demands to ESPNcricinfo
The notice specifies that the platform must:
- Immediately remove all advertising and promotional content related to online betting and gambling;
- Provide written confirmation of compliance with local laws within seven working days;
- Prepare and submit data on advertising and revenue operations for review by the National Board of Revenue (NBR);
- Pay all due taxes and VAT.
The NCSA warned that failure to comply could lead to ESPNcricinfo being blocked in Bangladesh. According to agency spokesperson Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, the decision on blocking the platform could also be opened for public discussion.
Background and Possible Implications
According to local media, the notice was issued following multiple user complaints about foreign betting ads appearing on ESPNcricinfo pages. Bangladeshi law strictly prohibits gambling promotions and earning untaxed revenue from such activities without proper registration.
| Violation | Legal Basis | Sanctions |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising and promoting online betting | Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025 | Website blocking, fines |
| Failure to pay taxes and VAT | Bangladesh Tax Code | Financial penalties, NBR audit |
ESPN Sports Media Group Ltd has not yet issued an official statement regarding the notice. Meanwhile, the NCSA has announced its intention to continue monitoring all foreign media outlets conducting advertising operations in Bangladesh.
Public Reaction
The announcement has sparked debate across social media. Many users expressed concern that blocking ESPNcricinfo could affect cricket fans’ access to news and match coverage. However, authorities insist on the importance of enforcing advertising and taxation laws.
Local experts suggest that the case of ESPNcricinfo could set a precedent and serve as a warning to other international platforms operating in Bangladesh’s digital market without proper registration.