The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has dropped Indian presenter Ridhima Pathak from the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
According to board sources, the decision to remove Pathak from the BPL presentation panel was taken after reviewing the evolving circumstances linked to bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
However, Ridhima Pathak has stated that her withdrawal from the tournament was a personal decision. Addressing reports that linked her exit to political and diplomatic tensions, she clarified her position through a statement shared on social media.
“For me, my nation comes first, and I consider cricket as an assignment,” Pathak said.
She added that she has always served the game of cricket with honesty, respect, and passion, and said she would continue to remain associated with the sport with the same commitment.
Earlier in the season, the BCB had introduced an initiative aimed at increasing international diversity in the BPL’s commentary and presentation lineup. As part of this plan, Pathak was hosting the league alongside Pakistan’s popular television personality Zainab Abbas.
The commentary panel also included former Pakistan captain and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, as well as England cricket legend Darren Gough.
Sources indicate that the board later revised its original strategy due to the current geopolitical environment.
