Bangladesh Drop Indian Presenter Ridhima Pathak From BPL 2025-26 Panel

Bangladesh Drop Indian Presenter Ridhima Pathak From BPL Hosting Panel Amid Rising Cricket Tensions

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has officially removed Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak from the hosting panel of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26, a move that has sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world. The decision comes amid a series of developments that have intensified cricket-related tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Ridhima Pathak, a familiar face to Indian cricket audiences, has hosted several high-profile cricket shows and events for major broadcasters. She was co-hosting the BPL 2025-26 alongside Pakistan presenter Zainab Abbas when her stint was abruptly ended by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Timing of the Decision Raises Questions

The decision to drop Pathak has drawn attention largely due to its timing. It comes just three days after the Board of Control for Cricket in India requested IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season.

While the BCB has not officially linked the two decisions, the proximity of the announcements has led to speculation that broader political and administrative factors may be influencing cricketing decisions on both sides.

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Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Exit

Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals, was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a significant sum during the IPL 2026 auction. However, following internal discussions and what were described as “recent developments,” the BCCI asked the franchise to release the pacer from their squad.

BCCI officials clarified that the franchise would be allowed to seek a replacement if needed. When asked about the reason behind the request, officials cited evolving circumstances without providing specific details.

This development has been viewed by many as a major setback for Rahman, who had been expected to play a key role in the upcoming IPL season.

BPL Hosting Panel Change Adds to Tension

Against this backdrop, the removal of Ridhima Pathak from the BPL hosting panel has added another layer to the unfolding situation. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board has not issued a detailed explanation, the move has been interpreted as part of a broader shift in cricketing relations.

The Bangladesh Drop Indian Presenter Ridhima Pathak decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some view it as an administrative decision taken by the league organizers, while others believe it reflects rising sensitivities in regional cricket dynamics.

ICC Rejects Bangladesh’s Request on T20 World Cup 2026

Adding to the ongoing developments, the International Cricket Council has reportedly rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 out of India.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board had formally requested that their Group C matches be shifted to another country, citing security concerns. However, following discussions during a virtual meeting, the ICC informed the BCB that the request would not be granted.

According to available information, the ICC stated that Bangladesh would need to travel to India for the tournament or risk forfeiting points.

Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup Schedule

Bangladesh is scheduled to play all four of its Group C matches in India. The first three matches are set to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while the final group match is scheduled in Mumbai.

The ICC’s firm stance has further highlighted the complexities surrounding international cricket logistics, security considerations, and administrative authority.

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Broader Implications for Cricket Relations

The combination of events — the IPL release of Mustafizur Rahman, the BPL hosting panel change involving Ridhima Pathak, and the ICC’s rejection of Bangladesh’s request — has intensified discussions around the intersection of sports, diplomacy, and governance.

Cricket boards often emphasize that decisions are taken independently of politics, but moments like these demonstrate how closely sport and geopolitics can intersect in the modern era.

What Lies Ahead

As the BPL 2025-26 continues, attention will remain focused on how these developments affect future cooperation between cricket boards. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether tensions ease or escalate in the lead-up to major tournaments.

For now, the decision where Bangladesh drop Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak stands as one of the most talked-about off-field stories of the cricket season, underlining how events beyond the boundary line can shape the global game.

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