DHAKA – Indian cricket presenter Ridhima Pathak on Wednesday clarified the reports claiming she was removed from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), following Bangladeshi cricketer Mostafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Addressing the rumours on social media, Pathak said she had personally chosen to withdraw from the BPL and dismissed the claims that she was dropped by the league.
She added, “My nation comes first, and I treat cricket as an assignment.”
Pathak also emphasized that she has served the sport of cricket with honesty, respect and passion, and will continue to remain involved in the game guided by the same dedication and spirit.
Earlier, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman confirmed his participation in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) following his sudden release from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an IPL franchise owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The PSL officially announced Rahman’s signing on its social media platforms, sharing a banner highlighting the left-arm pacer, who has so far represented Bangladesh in 15 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 126 T20Is.
The league captioned the announcement, “Batters better beware… it’s going to Fizz in the #NewEra. Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11!”
Rahman’s release from KKR came just two days earlier, with the franchise citing BCCI directives as the reason. “KKR confirms that the BCCI, as the IPL regulator, has instructed the franchise to release Rahman ahead of the upcoming IPL season,” the team had stated.
The move sparked a strong response from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). On Sunday, the board announced that the national men’s team will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, citing security concerns.
BCB also demanded an explanation regarding Rahman’s unexpected IPL exit, with youth and sports adviser Asif Nazrul sharing the development on his official Facebook page.
