United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand steadily squandered a good start, slumping from 172-2 to 231-7 before rallying to 315-9 at stumps Saturday on the first day of the third test against England. Mitchell Santner hit the last ball of the day for six to reach his fourth test half century and was 50 not out while Will O’Rourke had yet to score. The New Zealand tail added 76 runs in the last eight overs of the day to bring some balance back into the game after the failure of the middle order. After a 105-run opening partnership between Tom Latham and Will Young, New Zealand enjoyed the rare experience of holding the upper hand over England in a series which so far has been one-sided in favor of the tourists. England holds an unassailable 2-0 lead, winning the first test in four days by eight wickets and the second in three days by 323 runs. In those seven days, New Zealand only occasionally had a dominant session. Shakib Al Hasan suspended from bowling in ECB-run competitions But England won the toss and chose to bowl and by lunch New Zealand was 93-0 At that point it appeared England captain Ben Stokes might have misread or over-estimated the conditions when he decided to send New Zealand in. The pitch at Seddon Park had a slight green hue and warm conditions and puffy clouds seemed to offer the promise the ball would swing. Instead, there was a firm brown surface under a thin cover of grass and the day warmed quickly, burning off the overcast so that the ball neither seamed or swung to any great extent. Latham and Young set a sound platform for the New Zealand innings when they put on 105 for the first wicket, the Kiwis’ best opening partnership in 28 tests. Young was selected in place of Devon Conway whose wife has just given birth to their first child. There already was a clamor for his selection as Conway had made only 21 runs in four innings in the first two tests of this series and Young was Player of the Series and averaged almost 50 when New Zealand swept India 3-0 at home in October and early November. Young played with boldness from the start Saturday and was 42 not out at lunch including 40 runs from boundaries. At 42 he surpassed 1,000 runs in test cricket and became the first New Zealander since Stephen Fleming to achieve that milestone without making a test century. Rachin Ravindra made 18 with four well-hit boundaries and seemed set when he played loosely at a wide ball from Brydon Carse and was caught by Ben Duckett in the gully. There was an anxious pause when the television umpire checked for a no ball but there was no reprieve for Ravindra and this time no bad news for Carse who bowled Williamson with a no-ball in the second test. Australia 28-0 at lunch on a rainy 1st morning of the 3rd cricket test against India Kane Williamson reached 44 with every sign of authority on his home pitch on which he averages 94. Then he clamped down on a ball from Matthew Potts which bounced back onto his stumps and he tried vainly to kick it away. Potts marked his return in place of the rested Chris Woakes with figures of 3-75 and the prized wicket of Williamson. “I didn’t have a great view of it. I was a bit confused but then I saw a bail drop down by his feet and it was pure elation after that,” Potts said. “It was a massive wicket at that point in the innings. It’s less about personal milestones and achievements of getting good players out but, at that key point in time, Kane could have taken the game away from us." In quick succession New Zealand lost Daryl Mitchell (14), Glenn Phillips (5) and second test century-maker Tom Blundell (21), all to unwise shots. Santner and Matt Henry put on 41 for the eighth wicket before Henry (8) was brilliantly caught by Harry Brook off Stokes. Brook first caught the ball standing on the boundary rope at fine leg, threw it up in the air and stepped over the boundary, then caught it again as he stepped back into the field of play. Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim retires from international cricket That brought out Tim Southee in his 107th and last test for New Zealand. Southee will retire at the end of the series aged 36 and as New Zealand’s second-highest test wicket-taker with 389. Southee, who received a guard of honor from the England fielders when he walked out, hit the second ball he faced for the 96th six of his career and the fourth ball for the 97th. England took the second new ball and Southee hit the first ball bowled with it for his 98th six. He also hit a four in his 23 from 10 balls before skying a ball.

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after independent testing at Loughborough University found his action illegal, further complicating his availability in international cricket.  His elbow extension exceeded the ICC’s permissible 15-degree limit during a County Championship match for Surrey in September. This is the first time Shakib's bowling action has been reported in his long career. The suspension has broader implications for his international career. Under ICC regulations, if a national cricket board imposes a ban following certified testing, the ruling can extend to international cricket and domestic tournaments under other boards. Consequently, Shakib’s eligibility to bowl for Bangladesh or in franchise leagues like the BPL remains uncertain. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) retains the authority to allow him to bowl in domestic competitions.  Shakib must now undergo reassessment to prove the legality of his action. Until then, his role as a bowler remains suspended. This is a big blow for him, given the fact that his batting form has waned in recent months due to health issues, including vision problems. The controversy adds to an already tumultuous year for Shakib. His political career as a Member of Parliament for the now-ousted Awami League government and the violent protests in Bangladesh during July and August have further complicated his public image. He has not played international cricket since withdrawing from a farewell Test in October amid political unrest. Shakib’s future as a bowler is now dependent on his ability to correct his action and clear ICC-mandated tests. Without his bowling, the veteran cricketer’s international and franchise career faces an uncertain road ahead.  

Experts warn that Saudi Arabia's plans to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup could significantly harm the environment due to large-scale construction and emissions. The Gulf nation, recently confirmed as the host, aims to build or renovate 15 stadiums, develop a futuristic city, and expand airports to accommodate millions of visitors.  These developments will generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions from producing and transporting materials like concrete and steel, as well as from operating heavy machinery and cooling new facilities. Such emissions are a major contributor to climate change. Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College, criticized the plan as “environmentally wasteful in the extreme.” He argued that the World Cup should be hosted in nations with an established soccer infrastructure to avoid unnecessary construction.  Seth Warren Rose, founding director of the Eneref Institute, emphasized the urgency of climate action. “By 2034, we’ll be living in a different climate and that’s not a metaphor,” he said, urging organizers to either take meaningful steps to cut emissions or abandon the event.  Saudi Arabia's plans rely heavily on concrete, responsible for 8% of global emissions and steel, which adds another 7%. The construction of eight new stadiums and the expansion of three currently underway for the tournament’s first-ever 48-team format raise concerns about the potential for “white elephant” venues—facilities left unused after the event.  FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host The Saudi bid includes sustainability measures, such as powering stadiums with clean energy, adopting natural ventilation, and enforcing green building standards. However, Karim Elgendy, a fellow at Chatham House, warned that the vast scale of the project and the distances between host cities could make it the most carbon-intensive World Cup to date. Without robust mitigation, he said, the event's emissions could nearly double the record set during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.  In comparison, this year’s Paris Olympics achieved a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by using renewable energy, recycled materials, plant-based food options, and energy-efficient infrastructure.  Critics question FIFA’s decision to fast-track Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid, suggesting more suitable hosts like the UK, which already has numerous stadiums. However, Walker Ross, a sport sustainability researcher at the University of Edinburgh, argued that global inclusivity should remain central to hosting decisions. “If this sport is truly for the world, then we have to be open to everyone hosting,” he said.  Previous events have also faced scrutiny. Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, which cost $200 billion and included seven new stadiums and extensive infrastructure, reportedly emitted 3.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Claims of a “carbon neutral” tournament were met with skepticism.  Saudi Arabia’s growing emissions—533 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022—are compounded by its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. While the country aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030, renewable energy adoption remains minimal.  Khaled Diab of Carbon Market Watch criticized FIFA for seemingly ignoring lessons from Qatar. “It appears FIFA has learnt very little from the debacle with the World Cup in Qatar,” he said.  Source: With inputs from wires

Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney safely negotiated a stop-and-start first session of the third cricket test against India at a rainy Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. After India won the toss and sent Australia in to bat, rain first halted play for about 30 minutes in the sixth over. The showers returned about a half-hour later and until the scheduled lunch break. Khawaja was on 19 and McSweeney 4 and Australia was 28-0 after 13.2 overs. Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim retires from international cricket India made two changes — Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep were back in the side, replacing Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin. Australia earlier said Josh Hazlewood would return to the starting X1 for the Brisbane test after missing Adelaide with a side strain. Fellow fast bowler Scott Boland was the man dropped in the only change for Australia. India won the first test by 295 runs at Perth, Western Australia while Australia came back to win the second day-night test in Adelaide by 10 wickets.  

Bangladesh National Women's Football team moved seven steps ahead in the latest FIFA /Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking published by World Football body FIFA after four months on Friday (December 14). Bangladesh, which clinched the SAFF Women's Football crown for the 2nd consecutive times beating hosts Nepal by 2-1 goals in the final in last October, advanced to the 132nd place securing 1097.55 rating points to better the previous ranking of 139th among 185 countries. Among the South Asian countries, India (69th) and Nepal (103rd) are ahead of Bangladesh (132nd) while Pakistan (157th), Sri Lanka (158th), Maldives (163rd) and Bhutan (172nd) behind the Bangladesh The USA Women's team maintained their top slot intact on the FIFA World Ranking securing 2087.55 rating points, followed by Spain, Germany, England. Sweden, Canada, Brazil, Japan, DPR (North) Korea and Netherlands.

Brothers Union Club took a solo lead in the ongoing 10- team Bashundhara Group Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football with unbeaten run beating Chittagong Abahani Ltd by 2-0 goals in the 3rd round match at the Bir Shreshtha FL Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Friday afternoon. With the day's feat, the Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union took a solo lead in the league table securing seven points from three matches toppling three joints leaders --Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Dhaka Abahani Ltd and Rahmatganj MFS, which bagged full six points from straight two matches. Defending champions Bashundhara Kings went down in the race with three points from two matches losing to Federation Cup runners up Mohammedan SC by 0-1 goal in the 2nd round match. In the day's match, Senegalese midfielder Cheik Sene scored both goals for Brothers Union---first in the 18th minute and 2nd in the last minute. In the day's other match, Fortis FC outplayed Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool by 3-0 goals at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur on Friday. After barren first half, local striker Piash Ahmed Nova struck twice for Fortis FC in the 58th and 85th minutes while Gambian forward Omar Sarr opened the account in the 52nd minute Three more 3rd round matches will be held on Saturday at three separate venues across the country. The titans battle between two traditional rivals Dhaka Mohammedan SC and Dhaka Abahani Ltd will be held on Saturday at :2:30 pm at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla. Last season's treble winners Bashundhara Kings will play joint league leader Rahmatganj MFS at 5:30 pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena while Dhaka Wanderers Club will face Bangladesh Police FC at 2:30 pm at the Shaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur on Saturday.

UEFA punished Serbia’s soccer federation for racist acts by fans at two Nations League games, including trying to burn an Albania flag in Switzerland. The decision was announced Friday, hours before Serbia and Albania were drawn by FIFA into the same qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup — meaning they will play each other twice, home and away. On Monday, UEFA's executive committee is set to confirm Serbia and Albania as co-hosts of the Under-21 European Championship in 2027. Injured Mbappé to travel with Real Madrid to Qatar with hopes of playing Intercontinental Cup final At a Switzerland-Serbia game last month, visiting fans were filmed trying to set light to an Albania flag. The Swiss team, including captain Granit Xhaka, typically fields players with family ties to Albania or Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. UEFA said its disciplinary committee charged the Serbian federation for “racist and/or discriminatory behavior” in Switzerland on Nov. 15 and at home to Denmark three days later, plus other incidents including fans showing an “illicit banner.” Serbia’s federation was banned from selling tickets for the team’s next two away games in UEFA competitions, and must close parts of the stadium at two home games. Harry Kane set to return for Bayern Munich next week after injury The first parts of the sanctions will apply in March when Serbia faces Austria in a two-leg Nations League promotion playoff. UEFA also imposed fines totaling 173,000 euros ($181,000) with 90,000 euros ($94,000) of that for the discrimination. Serbia’s soccer body has been charged by UEFA and FIFA for repeated fan misconduct including at Euro 2024 in Germany and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Serbia-Albania games in World Cup qualifying next year will be the first since they met in a Euro 2016 qualifying group. The game in Belgrade in October 2014 was abandoned in chaos after a fan outside the stadium flew a drone carrying an Albanian nationalist banner over the field.

Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket, six months after the Pakistan all-rounder made a comeback and played at the T20 World Cup. “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket,” Wasim wrote on X on Friday. “Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.” West Indies sweep ODI series with record chase against Bangladesh The 35-year-old Wasim played 75 T20 internationals after making his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015. He scored 554 runs in T20s and also took 73 wickets with his left-arm spin bowling. Wasim also played 55 ODIs for Pakistan and took 44 wickets while scoring 986 runs. Wasim quit international cricket in November 2023 after selectors ignored the all-rounder because of his fitness issues. Wasim changed his mind and made himself available for June’s T20 World Cup where Pakistan made an early exit after losing to archrival India and United States in group matches. Wasim struggled to make a mark and finished the tournament with only three wickets in three games and could score only 19 runs. The all-rounder said he will continue to play in domestic cricket and franchise cricket around the world. FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host “While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan,” he said.

Kylian Mbappé will miss one Spanish league game with a leg injury but Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes his striker will recover from in time to play the Intercontinental Cup final next week. Ancelotti said Friday that the left-thigh injury that Mbappé sustained this week will rule him out of Saturday’s La Liga match at Rayo Vallecano. But the Italian coach said that Mbappé will travel with the rest of his teammates to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final on Dec. 18, when Madrid will face either Pachuca or Al Ahly. “We will see if he can play without taking any (injury) risks,” Ancelotti told reporters. “He will travel because we think he can recover from the injury.” Mbappé hurt his leg and was substituted after scoring in Madrid’s 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Harry Kane is set to make his return for Bayern Munich next week following a muscle injury, coach Vincent Kompany said Friday. The England captain hasn't played since he went off in Bayern's 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Nov. 30 after receiving treatment on his right thigh. Kane's missed three games since then and Kompany said Kane wouldn't be available for Saturday's Bundesliga game at Mainz, either, but could return next week ahead of playing Leipzig on Dec. 20. “It’s actually gone really quickly and well for Harry. It was tight for this game, but it looks good for Leipzig," Kompany said. "I’m obviously only focused on Mainz now but regarding Harry, it’s great. It’s not the case that we’ve had a setback or something. It looks good.” Kane has scored 20 goals in 19 games for Bayern in all competitions this season. With Bayern's long injury list including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, left back Alphonso Davies and midfielder Joao Palhinha, the winter break could allow Bayern to bring multiple players back for its first competitive game of the new year on Jan. 11. The break is especially welcome because the Club World Cup takes up so much of next year's offseason, Kompany indicated. “Right now I’m happy that we have a winter break (in Germany) because there isn’t even a summer break if you look at the schedule that we have," Kompany said. "It’s important that you have a certain number of days to recover, not just physically but mentally.” Bayern has been drawn against New Zealand's Auckland City, Argentina's Boca Juniors and Portugal's Benfica in the group stage of the expanded Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 through July 13 in the United States.