Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak has publicly addressed reports claiming she was removed from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The controversy emerged amid heightened diplomatic and sporting tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Voluntary Decision Amid Political Tensions
Reports initially suggested that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had dropped Pathak from the hosting panel of the ongoing BPL. However, Pathak clarified that she voluntarily stepped away from the league due to the prevailing political climate. She emphasised that her decision was personal and not influenced by the board.
Pathak stated, “In the last few hours, there’s been a narrative suggesting I was ‘dropped’ from the BPL. That is not true. I made a personal decision to opt out. 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 for years with honesty, respect, and passion. That won’t change. I’ll continue to stand for integrity, for clarity, and for the spirit of the game.”
She also expressed gratitude to supporters, adding, “Thank you to everyone who reached out with support. Your messages mean more than you know. Cricket deserves truth. Period. No further comments from my side.”
Escalating Cricket Diplomacy Between India and Bangladesh
Tensions between the two countries intensified when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This move triggered broader disputes between the cricket boards.
In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that its national team will not travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The BCB cited concerns regarding “overall circumstances” in India as a reason for the withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government imposed a nationwide ban on the telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It also requested that its matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup be shifted from India to Sri Lanka.
Pathak’s Integrity and Commitment to Cricket
Against this backdrop, media speculation about Pathak being “dropped” from the BPL spread widely. Pathak’s statement clarified her commitment to both her country and the sport. She reiterated that her actions were guided by personal principles and integrity, not political pressure.
Her remarks underline the challenges faced by sports professionals operating in politically sensitive environments. Pathak remains a respected figure in Indian cricket broadcasting, known for her honesty, expertise, and dedication to the game.
Conclusion
Ridhima Pathak’s clarification highlights the importance of separating speculation from fact in sports reporting. Her decision to step back voluntarily underscores her commitment to integrity and national pride, while the broader India-Bangladesh cricket dispute continues to unfold ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
