BPL 2025/26 controversy erupts as India presenter Ridhima Pathak breaks silence of BPL exit

The reports have arrived that the Indian presenter, Ridhiman Pathak, has been removed from the presentation panel for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on January 07, 2026, citing sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). She was expected to host the Dhaka leg of the year’s event but was reportedly dropped from the team before arriving in the country.

The current edition of the competition has already started in Sylhet. Pathak, however, a prominent figure in Indian sports broadcasting, refused all those reports and clarified that she herself withdrew from the T20 event due to the ongoing political climate. But she directly clarified the rumours.

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“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.” Pathak expressed on her social media.

Ridhiman Pathak reacts to BPL 2025/26 controversy

The Pakistani presenter, Zainab Abbas, arrived in Bangladesh, along with the veteran commentators- Waqar Younis, Ramiz Raja, and Darren Gough. Ridhiman was originally set to join them, but will no longer be attending. The BPL authorities have introduced major changes to the presentation and the commentary panels in the season.

“That won’t change. I will 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.” Pathak reflected on the entire situation.

On January 05, the Bangladesh government suspended the broadcast of the IPL 2026 matches in the country after the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release their left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, from their squad. The league is going to begin on March 26, following KKR’s decision to remove the bowler. Bangladesh’s response has requested the ICC to relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 games out of India.