‘I was not dropped, I chose to opt out’: Ridhima Pathak clarifies Bangladesh Premier League exit

New Delhi: Indian sports presenter Ridhima Pathak has clarified that she was not removed from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) presentation panel, saying she voluntarily stepped away in light of recent developments and national sentiments.

In an Instagram post, Pathak wrote, “Truth matters. 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.”

She added that she has always worked in cricket with honesty, respect and passion, and would continue to stand for integrity and clarity, concluding with, “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.”

Background: Political tension spills into cricket

Pathak’s decision comes amid strained cricketing relations between India and Bangladesh following recent developments around player participation and tournaments.

The situation intensified after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, reportedly following security concerns and associated threats. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) convened an emergency meeting and wrote to the ICC, citing security worries over touring India for the upcoming T20 World Cup and sought venue changes for Bangladesh’s matches.

The Bangladesh government also restricted IPL broadcasts through local operators, further deepening the standoff.

What happened with the BPL panel

Earlier reports suggested that Pathak had been “dropped” from the BPL presentation team. The panel this season featured multiple international names, including Pakistan’s Zainab Abbas, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, and England all-rounder Darren Gough.

However, Pathak has now categorically denied being removed, stating it was her personal decision to opt out.