The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced that Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak is no longer part of the hosting team for the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 season. However, Pathak said that she made the decision herself voluntarily, denying claims that she was removed by the Bangladesh board.
Sporting relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened after the BCCI asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League 2026. The decision is also seen as a sign of growing tension between the two countries, with the dispute now spilling beyond politics into cricket.
Bangladesh Responds With IPL Broadcast Ban and World Cup Venue Demand
Following the release of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, Bangladesh took a series of strong counter-steps. The government announced a nationwide ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League, stopping its telecast through local cable networks.
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At the cricket board level, the Bangladesh Cricket Board held an emergency meeting and raised security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup. The BCB formally asked the International Cricket Council to move Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka.
However, the ICC has stated that Bangladesh must play their matches in India or risk forfeiting them. The situation has also created uncertainty over Bangladeshi golfers taking part in events organised by the Professional Golf Tour of India, with the dispute spreading across sports.
Ridhima Pathak Opens Up on Reports of BPL Exit
Amid tensions between the two cricket boards, Bangladeshi media claimed that Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak had been removed from the BCB hosting panel. Pathak clarified that these reports were incorrect and added that she was not dropped, while declining to comment further.
“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.
“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.”
Mustafizur Rahman’s Release Triggers Bangladesh Cricket Board
Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, KKR had picked him for Rs 9.20 crore at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India later asked the franchise to let him go after strong backlash.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board also took the issue to the International Cricket Council. The BCB asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 out of India, citing security concerns.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC also discussed the matter in a virtual meeting and rejected the request. The ICC told the BCB that Bangladesh must travel to India to play their matches. If they refuse, they could lose points and risk an early exit from the tournament.
As per the current schedule, Bangladesh will play all four Group C matches in India. They will face the West Indies, Italy, and England in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. After that, they will travel to Mumbai to play their final group match against Nepal.
Also read: ICC KICKS Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup 2026, replacement identified