Sports relations between them India and Bangladesh after widespread news about Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially removed the Indian host Ridhima Pathak from the ongoing hosting panel Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26. The move is seen as the latest ripple effect in an escalating diplomatic and sporting battle that reached a tipping point this week. As headlines began to suggest that his career was under fire for retaliation, Pathak finally broke his silence on January 7, 2026 to address the situation.
Ridhima Pathak dropped from BPL 2025-26 hosting panel by Bangladesh? The Indian presenter answers
Amid the flurry of narratives from various media outlets claiming that he was removed from office due to the current political climate, Ridhima Pathak turned to social media to clarify the terms of his speech. Although initial reports suggested it was a deliberate withdrawal by the BCB in response to recent cricket tensions, Pathak revealed that his departure from the T20 league panel was a personal choice made with deep conviction. He denied the rumors that he had “fallen” and explained that he decided to give up because his nation came first. Pathak, a mainstay of Indian sports broadcasting, emphasized that he values the integrity and clarity of the game above any task and thanked those who supported him by believing that cricket deserves the truth.
“In the last few hours there has been a story suggesting that I have ‘withdrawn’ from the BPL. It is not true. I have taken a personal decision to quit. For me, my nation always comes first. And I value the game of cricket more than any other task. I have had the privilege of serving the sport with integrity for years, I respect that and I continue to change.” Thank you to everyone who reached out for clarity and the spirit of the game support. Your messages mean more than you know. Cricket deserves the truth. Period. I have no further comment.” Ridhima Pathak wrote.
Mustafizur Rahman wow and IPL 2026 broadcast ban
The friction between the two nations reached its peak on January 3, 2026 BCCI ruled Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Dropping the star pacer from Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman from their staff. Mustafizuru KKR who signed the record ₹ 9.20 croreThe BCCI was forced to release him after citing “recent developments” and security concerns regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. The fallout was severe as the Bangladeshi government subsequently imposed an indefinite ban on the telecast. IPL 2026 through local operators, after labeling the move as a gratuitous insult to their national symbol, claiming it was in the “public interest”.
In a major escalation, the BCB has officially reported ICC that they were “reluctant”. Travel to India for the T20 World Cup In February, they demanded that their matches be held in Sri Lanka due to security reasons. However, dealing a significant blow to the BCB’s demands, the BCB reportedly rejected the request on January 7, stating that there were no credible security threats to the Bangladesh team in India. The global body has reportedly informed BCB that they must go to the designated venues in Kolkata and Mumbai or risk losing their matches and points. As Ridhima Pathak walks away from the BPL microphone, the cricketing world is now watching a complete breakdown of relations that threatens the participation of an entire nation in the upcoming World Cup.
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