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Indian sports presenter clarifies exit from Bangladesh Premier League, addressing speculation of being dropped. Get the full story and statement.
Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak (Courtesy: Instagram/Ridhima Pathak)
New Delhi, January 7, 2026 — In a development that’s stirred debate in cricket circles and among fans across South Asia, Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak has publicly addressed widespread reports claiming she was dropped from her role in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 presentation panel. Amid speculation and sensational headlines, Pathak has categorically denied being ousted, stating that she chose to withdraw from the assignment for personal and patriotic reasons.
Her clarification comes against the backdrop of increasingly tense relations between Indian and Bangladeshi cricket authorities, which have made headlines in recent weeks and impacted several bilateral sporting engagements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the situation, Ridhima’s statement, the broader context involving cricket diplomacy, and what this episode means for the sport, broadcasters, and fans.
The BPL Breakthrough That Became Controversy
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) — one of South Asia’s premier Twenty20 cricket leagues — attracts global talent both on and off the field. For the 2025-26 season, broadcasters and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had assembled an international presentation and commentary team. Among them was Ridhima Pathak, a recognisable face in Indian sports media, selected to co-host the Dhaka leg of the tournament, alongside international colleagues.
The decision to include Pathak — the sole Indian presenter in these ranks — was widely appreciated by fans who saw it as an example of cross-border collaboration in cricket media. Her role was expected to add depth and familiarity for South Asian audiences tuning in from India and beyond.
However, reports emerged this week suggesting that she had been “dropped” from the panel by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) before even arriving in Bangladesh. These reports were seized upon by some media outlets, social platforms, and commentators, framing the incident as a removal in response to political and sporting tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Ridhima Pathak Breaks the Silence
Faced with mounting speculation, Pathak took to social media to address the situation directly — a rare move that immediately drew widespread attention.
“There’s been a narrative suggesting I was ‘dropped’ from the BPL. That is not true. I made a personal decision to opt out,” Pathak wrote in her statement, underscoring that her choice was voluntary and not the result of a dismissal.
She further emphasized:
“For me, my nation comes first — always. And I value the game of cricket far beyond any single assignment. I’ve been privileged to serve this sport with honesty, respect and passion. That won’t change.”
Pathak’s statement echoed throughout the cricket community, prompting both support and debate. She stressed that she would continue to uphold the integrity of the sport, clarify misinformation, and avoid further comment on the details.
Her use of phrases like “cricket deserves truth” and “my nation comes first” highlighted the sensitivity of the situation and how it intersects with broader public sentiments back home.
What Triggered the Tension? The Wider Backdrop
The discussion around Pathak’s departure cannot be viewed in isolation. Over the last week, cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh have faced significant strain due to a series of events including:
1. Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Removal
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was controversially asked to leave the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This high-profile move rippled across cricket boards and stirred debates on fairness and national sentiment.
2. Cricket Diplomacy Difficulties
The Bangladesh Cricket Board — concerned about security and political tensions — convened an emergency meeting and raised issues with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, including a request to shift the venue outside India.
3. IPL Broadcast Ban in Bangladesh
In a dramatic escalation, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL 2026 season through local operators — reflecting deepening diplomatic tensions and public sentiment within Bangladesh.
According to some local media reports in Bangladesh, these developments influenced the BCB’s decision to exclude an Indian presenter from the BPL panel. However, Pathak’s own clarification challenges that narrative, asserting that she stepped away voluntarily.
Reactions from the Cricket and Media World
The response to Pathak’s clarification has been multifaceted across different sectors:
Industry Professionals and Peers
Many media colleagues and sports broadcasters applauded Pathak’s professionalism and stance, noting that navigating such sensitive diplomatic waters while maintaining credibility takes courage.
Several commentators expressed solidarity with her view that cricket should be a unifying force — not a battlefield for political tensions.
Fans and Social Media
Social media platforms light up daily with debates around this story. Supporters of Pathak lauded her frankness and patriotic sentiment, while others lamented the broader tensions afflicting cricket relations between India and Bangladesh.
Fan discussions also frequently loop back to Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exit and the IPL broadcast ban — indicating that the Pathak narrative has become part of a larger story about national pride and sports diplomacy.
Cricket Boards and Officials
While neither the BCB nor BCCI has issued formal public statements directly asserting or refuting the specifics of Pathak’s departure, both boards have been embroiled in the wider context of diplomatic talks and scheduling discussions for the future of bilateral engagements.
Why This Matters: The Intersection of Sport and Diplomacy
Ridhima Pathak’s BPL exit highlights a significant — and increasingly common — phenomenon in sports today: the intersection of athletic events with national politics and diplomatic relations. Cricket, especially in South Asia, is more than a sport — it’s cultural, emotional, and often deeply tied to national identity.
When broadcasters, presenters, and athletes get caught in such tensions, it raises broader questions about:
- The role of media professionals in politically sensitive environments
- How international cricket bodies navigate diplomatic disputes
- Whether sporting events can truly remain insulated from geopolitical friction
Pathak’s stance — refusing to be a passive subject of media speculation and asserting agency over her decision — may well set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As the BPL 2025-26 progresses in Bangladesh, and with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, several key developments remain on the horizon:
Cricketing Relations Between India & Bangladesh
Experts believe ongoing dialogue between the BCCI and BCB will be crucial, especially if both boards hope to sustain joint participation in major ICC events and bilateral series.
Ridhima Pathak’s Professional Path
With her clarification widely publicised and supported by many in the media fraternity, Pathak’s credibility as a sports presenter remains intact — and she is expected to continue her work across cricketing events and global broadcasts.
Fan and Public Sentiment
Fans from both countries remain invested in the outcomes, often voicing strong opinions on social platforms about national pride, media narratives, and cricket’s role in fostering goodwill.
Conclusion: A Story of Choice, Truth and Cricket’s Place in the Spotlight
The debate over whether Ridhima Pathak was “dropped” from the Bangladesh Premier League has evolved into a broader narrative about identity, nationalism, and responsibility in sport. By asserting that she chose to opt out — rather than being dismissed — Pathak has placed the focus back on truth and personal agency amidst swirling speculation and diplomatic tension.
In an era where global sports are increasingly affected by political undercurrents, her statement — and the reaction to it — underscores the challenges faced by professionals navigating the intersection of passion, profession, and patriotism.
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