Ridhima Pathak Rubbishes Reports Claiming She Was Dropped from Bangladesh Premier League

The sports world was recently abuzz with speculation and confusion around Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak and her involvement with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026. Rumors suggested she had been dropped from the BPL presentation panel, triggering reactions across the cricket community. However, Ridhima herself has firmly denied these claims, clarifying what truly happened. In this article, we break down the facts, share her statement, and explain the context behind this developing story.

Who is Ridhima Pathak?

Ridhima Pathak is a well-known Indian sports presenter who has covered multiple big sporting events including cricket leagues, the Olympics, NBA, and other international competitions. She is widely respected for her work in sports media and has a growing presence on social platforms where she engages with fans of the game.

Her name came into the spotlight recently due to her anticipated role in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 — one of South Asia’s premier T20 cricket tournaments.

The Rumors: Was Ridhima Pathak Dropped from the BPL?

Earlier reports from some Bangladeshi media outlets claimed that Ridhima Pathak was dropped from the BPL hosting panel before even arriving in Bangladesh. These reports alluded to decisions made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), possibly linked to the rising political and cricketing tensions between Bangladesh and India.

According to these accounts, Pathak’s role was expected to be part of the presentation lineup along with other international hosts, but she would no longer be traveling to Dhaka for the assignment.

However, these reports lacked comprehensive confirmation from reliable official sources, and there was no direct statement from the BCB itself at the time.

Ridhima Pathak’s Clear Response

In response to the swirling rumors, Ridhima Pathak took to social media to address the narrative directly. She categorically stated that the claims that she was “dropped” from the BPL are not true. Instead, she emphasized that her decision to withdraw was entirely personal.

Here’s what she said in her statement:

“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.”

This firmly dispels the misinformation circulating online that Ridhima was forced out of the BPL by organizers or cricket authorities.

Why Did Ridhima Pathak Choose to Opt Out?

Although Ridhima did not elaborate on every detail behind her decision publically, her statement strongly hints at the larger backdrop of political and sporting tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Reports have linked the situation to recent controversies surrounding the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. This decision triggered a chain reaction involving bans on IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh and increased diplomatic strain between cricket boards.

In this atmosphere, Ridhima appears to have evaluated her position and chosen to withdraw from the BPL rather than be part of a situation that might affect how her role was perceived.

What This Means for the BPL 2026 Broadcast

With Ridhima Pathak’s exit from the Bangladesh Premier League’s presentation panel, the BPL broadcast lineup has undergone changes. Other presenters and commentators, including international names, are still part of the broadcasting team.

It’s worth noting:

• Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas and renowned commentators like Waqar Younis and Darren Gough continue their roles in the BPL 2026 coverage.
• Ridhima was scheduled to host the Dhaka leg of the tournament, but her absence means the panel will proceed without her on ground.

Despite stepping away from this assignment, Ridhima’s professional reputation remains strong and her clarification has helped put an end to false narratives.

Fans and Media Reaction

Reactions from fans and cricket enthusiasts have varied:

• Some applauded Ridhima for standing up and addressing misinformation quickly.
• Others have expressed concern about how wider political tensions are affecting sports and media collaborations.

Overall, her candid message — emphasizing truth, integrity, and respect for the game — has been widely supported across social platforms.

The Broader Cricket Context

This situation with Ridhima Pathak cannot be viewed in isolation. It reflects how deeply interconnected sports, national sentiment, and media representation can be, especially in the context of high-profile cricket events in South Asia.

The BPL is more than just a T20 league; it’s a platform where cricketing cultures from around the world converge. When political tensions seep into this environment, decisions by players, presenters, and boards can become symbolic, extending beyond the match day.

For Ridhima, prioritizing her personal stance and values over a high-visibility assignment shows a professional decision shaped by the larger circumstances.

Final Thoughts: What Really Happened?

To sum it up:

• Ridhima Pathak was not dropped from the BPL by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
• She voluntarily chose to opt out of her presenting role amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh cricket authorities.
• Her statement has been clear, firm, and direct, emphasizing truth and respect for cricket.

This clarification has helped clear the air and set the record straight, ensuring that fans and followers of the sport have accurate information — something Ridhima has advocated in her message.

As the BPL 2026 continues, the focus will remain on cricket action and on how sporting ties evolve between neighbouring cricketing nations.

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