Sports
Sports Journalists’ Association’s AGM held
The 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Bangladesh Sports Journalists’ Association (BSJA) was held on Saturday at its office premises at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here.BSJA general secretary Anisur Rahman Paltu and treasurer Mazhar Uddin Omi presented their reports at the AGM, presided over by BSJA President ATM Saiduzzaman. The AGM gave emphasis on forming a welfare fund to help the BSJA members during crisis situation. Former BJSA Presidents Majurul Haque and Syed Mamun, former Vice Presidents Dilu Khodakar, Kamal Ahmed, Arifur Rahman Babu, among others, took part in the discussion on different issues.
Read: Babu emerges best player in Walton-BSJA Sports CarnivalCountry's leading sports journalists and sports editors of national dailies, news agencies, electronic and online media were present at the meeting.
Women’s cricket team’s conditioning camp from Sunday
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday announced a 28-member Women’s national cricket team for a strength and conditioning camp starting on Sunday.
The camp will last from July 24 to August 9 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The players selected for the camp are: Murshida Khatun Happy, Shamima Sultana, Nigar Sultana Joty, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Rumana Ahmed, Mst. Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Salma Khatun, Lata Mondol, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Mst. Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sobhana Mostary, Suraya Azmim, Most. Sharmin Akter Supta, Jahanara Alam, Nuzhat Tasnia, Rubya Haider Jhilik, Rabeya, Puja Chakrabortty, Disha Biswas, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Shohaly Akhter, Fatema Jahan Sonia, Khadiza-Tul Kubra, Mst. Sarmin Sultana and Shaila Sharmin.
Read: Top Performers of Bangladesh in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022
Mashrafe, Mushfiq congratulate new T20 captain Sohan
Former national team captains Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mushfiqur Rahim have congratulated Nurul Hasan Sohan on becoming Bangladesh's T20 captain for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Friday announced the squads for the tour where the Tigers will play a three-match T20I and three-match ODI series from July 30 to August 10.
Sohan replaced Mahmudullah Riyad as the T20 captain. Riyad had been leading the Tigers in T20s since February 2018. He failed to guide the team to T20 victories and could not perform well with the bat in the West Indies.
"Hard work is better than talent when talent refuses to work hard. Congratulations Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan on becoming the captain of the Bangladesh T20 squad. Wish you all the luck," Mashrafe wrote on his social media profile.
"Congrats to Sohan on becoming the new T20I captain for the Zimbabwe series. The young team has my full support and I strongly believe this team will do well in the upcoming series," Mushfqiur wrote on his social media page.
Read: BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022: Nurul Hasan to lead young Bangladesh side
Sohan regularly leads Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, a 50-over format event at the domestic level of Bangladesh.
In his first assignment as the captain of Bangladesh, Sohan will have to face a tough challenge. He will not get the services of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Riyad and Mushfiq.
Tamim recently announced his retirement from T20s. Riyad, Shakib, and Mushfiq have been rested for the T20 series.
The Bangladesh team is set to travel to Zimbabwe on July 26.
The T20I series will begin on July 30. The last two matches of the series will take place on July 31 and August 2. The first ODI will be played on August 5, and the other two matches on August 7 and 10.
Mushfiq will be part of the ODI team.
The ODI series of this tour is not part of the ICC World Cup Super League.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid 2022: Pre-season el clasico match preview
The European clubs are currently busy playing pre-season friendlies in order to be well-prepared for the upcoming 2022–2023 season. Two Spanish giants, Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona will meet each other for a friendly match on Sunday (July 24) at the USA’s Allegiant Stadium. The Barcelona vs Real Madrid 2022 friendly match is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). Despite the fact that this El Clasico is a friendly game, football fans all around the world have no shortage of interest. The pre-season el clasico match preview between Real Madrid and Barcelona is discussed in this article.
2022 Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Pre-season match prediction
Real Madrid surprised everyone by winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021–2022 despite starting the campaign as hot favourites. Carlo Ancelotti is pretty confident with his current squad and Madrid have made only two signings this summer. They are unlikely to make any more signings before the transfer deadline.
Last season, Carlo Ancelotti preferred a 4-3-3 formation, and they were successful playing with this tactic. Karim Benzema played a huge part in Ancelotti’s tactics. Madrid might not have won the Champions League and La Liga if Benzema hadn't been there. It will therefore be interesting to see how Real Madrid perform if Benzema gets injured in the middle of next season. For Sunday’s clash, Real Madrid will likely play the same system they played last season.
Read Cristiano Ronaldo's Summer Football Transfer 2022: 5 potential destinations
Madrid’s arch-rivals, Barcelona, had a tough 2021–2022 season, but they made a remarkable turnaround in the second-half and finished the season second, 13 points behind champion Real Madrid. Barcelona have gone through a difficult financial situation in recent seasons.
The La Liga authorities have put an embargo on their salary structure. As a result, Barcelona must make some deals that go against their club spirit in order to improve their current financial situation. Barcelona are able to sign big names this season thanks to their recent financial deals.
Barcelona’s preferred formation is 4-3-3, and Xavi has some quality options upfront and in the midfield to pick his best three players in each area. The signing of Andreas Christensen has bolstered their defense line. Xavi is most likely to field his best players in this Barcelona vs Real Madrid 2022 friendly contest as winning el clasico before the upcoming season will boost the confidence among the players.
Read Dembélé signs new contract with Barcelona through 2024
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF: Probable Team Lineups
Real Madrid have already made two very important signings this season to strengthen their squad. They have signed free agent defender Antonio Rudiger to a four-year deal and also bought talented defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco for a reported fee of around 100 million euros. These two will likely start for Real Madrid against Barcelona. However, head coach Carlos Ancelotti may pick any player from the squad as this is a friendly contest.
Predicted Starting XI (Real Madrid)
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois;
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba;
Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni, Casemiro, Toni Kroos;
Forwards: Rodrygo, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior
Two of Barcelona’s biggest signings of this summer transfer window, Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich and Raphinha from Leeds United, are likely to start in Sunday’s match against Real Madrid. Besides, head coach Xavi may give some young talents a chance in the match to showcase their abilities.
Read Summer Football Transfer Window 2022: 13 most significant moves so far
Predicted Starting XI (Barcelona)
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen;
Defenders: Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jordi Alba;
Midfielders: Gavi, Sergio Busquets, Pedri;
Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres
Verdict
Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the biggest teams in European club football. Fans always look forward to watching this fixture whenever they meet each other, be it in domestic competitions or friendlies. Sunday’s Barcelona vs Real Madrid 2022 pre-season el clasico will be no exception. The possibility of seeing two of the world's top strikers, Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona and Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, face off against one another makes the match even more intriguing.
Read Gazdag's PK goal rallies Union to 2-1 win over Revolution
BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022: Nurul Hasan to lead young Bangladesh side
Mahmudullah Riyad has experienced leadership difficulties since the T20 World Cup 2021. The Bangladesh Twenty20 team under his leadership has been losing matches after matches since the mega event last year. The experienced all-rounder has also faced criticism for his limitations in making choices on the field. The BCB has decided to rest some of its senior players for the forthcoming BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022, including regular skipper Mahmudullah Riyad. In place of him, Nurul Hasan Sohan has been handed over the T20 captaincy role for the series. Nurul will lead a young Bangladesh side, and a number of players have made a comeback in the Twenty20 squad.
Has Nurul Hasan captained in domestic Twenty20 competitions?
Wicket-keeper batter Nurul Hasan Sohan never captained Bangladesh's national side on the international stage. Nurul will become the eighth captain of the Bangladesh T20I side when he leads the team in the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022.
Nurul Hasan does, however, have experience of leading teams in domestic competitions and he has a very good resume as a captain. He captained Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in both List A and Twenty20 cricket competitions in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Under his leadership, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club became the unbeaten champion in the inaugural season of the Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League in 2019.
Read: Pakistan lose openers after Sri Lanka post 222 in 1st Test
Nurul also led Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the 2021 DPL T20 tournament and finished fifth in the points table. Nurul was awarded Player of the Series for scoring 389 runs with a thundering strike rate of 149.61 and making 10 dismissals in 16 appearances.
There is no reason why Sohan can't lead the Bangladeshi national team's players given his track record in domestic competition.
Nurul Hasan Sohan’s overall captaincy record in the Dhaka Premier Division T20 Cricket League
Matches
Won
Lost
No Result
20
13
6
1
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka_Premier_Division_Twenty20_Cricket_League
Read WI vs IND ODI Series 2022: India eye whitewash, Windies aim strong show
BAN vs ZIM Twenty20 International Series 2022: Bangladesh Squad
The BCB selectors have decided to rest the senior players for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series. Therefore, captain Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiaur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan will not take part in the series. Nurul Hasan Sohan will lead the young Bangladeshi side where Parvez Hossain Emon, Hasan Mahmud, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have been recalled for the T20 series.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are regular members of Bangladesh's ODI and Test setup. However, the selectors usually don’t consider them for the Twenty20 format, but they have been picked for the Zimbabwe series.
Hasan Mahmud made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe back in March 2020, but after that he hasn’t played a match for the national side. The right-hand pacer can generate a lot of pace with the ball, and it will be another golden opportunity for him to show his talent on the international stage.
Read ENG vs SA 2022: Revived South Africa hope to win ODI series in Manchester
Parvez Hossain Emon was picked for Pakistan's T20I series in November last year. However, he didn’t get a chance in the series. At present, Emon has the record of scoring the fastest T20 century (42 balls) by a Bangladeshi batter, a feat that he achieved during the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in 2020. This talented left-hand top-order batter has a genuine chance to showcase his true ability as a T20 batter during the Zimbabwe series.
Besides, the 15-man Bangladesh squad for the forthcoming T20I series included all the expected names. The three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will start on July 30 (Saturday).
Bangladesh T20I Squad for the Zimbabwe Series 2022
Nurul Hasan Sohan (captain & wicket-keeper), Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Munim Shahriar, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud.
Read ICC T20 World Cup 2022: How Hard is Bangladesh’s Group 2?
Bottom Line
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision to hand over the captaincy role to Nurul Hasan Sohan may not be permanent. As per multiple sources, the BCB’s main choice is Shakib Al Hasan to lead the Twenty20 side, as the cricket board is now willing to drop Mahmudullah from the role. However, Nurul will get a chance to show his ability as a leader during the BAN vs ZIM T20I Series 2022. Sohan could be a prime contender to act as the next captain's deputy if he does well in the series.
The majority of the players in the Twenty20 squad are currently part of the Bangladesh T20I lineup or some of them were called up before but were unable to make their national team debuts. The selectors are keen to put together a balanced team for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 and ICC T20 World Cup 2022, so this is a great opportunity for the fringe players to show off their skills and impress them.
Read West Indies vs India Series 2022: Head-to-Head Stats and Full Fixtures
WWE’s McMahon says he is retiring amid misconduct probe
World Wrestling Entertainment impresario Vince McMahon announced Friday he is retiring amid an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the flamboyant showman who turned a small wrestling company into a worldwide entertainment business.
In a brief statement issued by WWE, McMahon said he is retiring as the company’s chairman and CEO. He noted that he remains its majority shareholder.
McMahon stepped down temporarily as CEO and chairman of WWE in mid-June during an investigation into alleged misconduct. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported McMahon agreed to pay more than $12 million over the past 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.
“At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful,” he wrote on Twitter.
There was no mention of the investigation in statement from the company based in Stamford, Connecticut. McMahon said his daughter, Stephanie, who was named interim CEO and chairperson last month, will serve as chairperson and share CEO duties with Nick Khan, who joined the company in 2020.
“Our global audience can take comfort in knowing WWE will continue to entertain you with the same fervor, dedication, and passion as always,” he wrote in the statement, thanking WWE’s generations of fans all over the world.
Read: Japanese marathon runners to miss worlds due to COVID-19
McMahon first stepped aside from the top positions last month after the Journal reported at the time that he had agreed to pay $3 million to a former paralegal who said he sexually harassed her on the job. He was supposed to continue overseeing WWE’s creative content during the companies investigation. But then the newspaper reported that McMahon had agreed to pay the significantly larger sum of $12 million.
Four women — all formerly affiliated with WWE — signed agreements with McMahon that bar them from discussing their relationships with him, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the deals and documents it reviewed. McMahon has said he is cooperating with the company’s investigation.
McMahon has been the leader and most recognizable face at WWE for decades. When he purchased what was then the World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982, wrestling matches took place at small venues and appeared on local cable channels.
The organization underwent a seismic transformation under McMahon with events like WrestleMania, a premium live production that draws millions of fervent viewers.
Revenue last year exceeded $1 billion for the first time and the company has television deals with Fox and NBCUniversal. Last month it announced a multiyear expansion of its original programming partnership with A&E.
WWE stars have become crossover sensations, including Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena.
Sohan named Bangladesh's new T20I captain for Zimbabwe tour
Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan has been named the new Bangladesh captain for T20s, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
He will lead the Tigers in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, replacing all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad, a BCB official said Friday.
Before making the decision public, the BCB selectors and high-profile directors had a meeting with Riyad.
Sohan has years of experience of leading Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, the most prestigious domestic cricket event in Bangladesh.
Regular captain Mahmudullah Riyad had been leading the Tigers in T20s since February 2018. He failed to guide the team to T20 victories and could not perform well with the bat in the West Indies.
Riyad was Bangladesh's captain in the last T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman. He led Bangladesh in 46 T20s, of which, the Tigers won 16.
Also, the all-rounder is yet to prove his mettle as a batter in T20s. He has played 33 T20s so far and scored 271 runs at an average of 12.30.
Riyad and other senior players Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have been rested for T20Is, the BCB official said.
However, the board earlier said it would send a full-strength squad to Zimbabwe.
Read: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi out of 2nd Test with knee injury
The T20I series will begin on July 30. The last two matches of the series will take place on July 31 and August 2. After that, both teams will lock horns in a three-match ODI series.
Mushfiqur and Hasan Mahmud will be part of the ODI team. Mushfiq missed the last series in the West Indies due to personal reasons. Right-arm pacer Hasan Mahmud played his last ODI in March 2021 against Dunedin.
Bangladesh T20I squad
Nurul Hasan Sohan (captain), Munim Shahriar, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mutafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Parvez Hossain Emon
Bangladesh ODI squad
Tamim Iqbal (captain), Liton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain, and Taijul Islam
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi out of 2nd Test with knee injury
Pakistan's first-Test star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has a bruised knee and will not play in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka starting Sunday.
The 22-year-old Afridi was the pick of the seamers from either side in the first Test, finishing with four wickets in the first innings that Pakistan won by four wickets in Galle.
Pakistan team officials confirmed Friday that he would not play in the second Test. Afridi finished on 99 Test wickets at the end of Sri Lanka's first innings and hopes of him completing the milestone of 100 wickets in the second Test ended with the injury.
Read: Pakistan lose openers after Sri Lanka post 222 in 1st Test
Afridi, fielding at mid-wicket, dived in an attempt to cut off a Dinesh Chandimal boundary on day three and was seen hobbling off the field. He was taken for scans and although there was no fracture, swelling and pain ruled him out.
Pakistan has uncapped quick Harris Rauf or seam bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf as replacements.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka brought in uncapped off-spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe after Maheesh Theekshana was ruled out of the match. Theekshana sustained a cut on his right index finger during the first Test.
The hosts also recalled Pathum Nissanka, who had tested positive for Covid-19 during the Australia series.
Asia Cup 2022 moved from Sri Lanka to UAE: Ganguly
The Asia Cup 2022 has been shifted from Sri Lanka to the UAE, according to Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The deepening economic and political crisis in the island nation forced the organisers to change the venue, even though Sri Lanka has successfully hosted a full tour of Australia and is now hosting a Test series against Pakistan.
However, hosting bilateral series is very different from hosting a tournament like the Asia Cup, which this time will be played in the T20 format, and will feature Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Read: Asia Cup T20 to be held in August
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had limited options regarding back-up venues considering June through September is monsoon season over most of the Indian subcontinent.
The Asia Cup will be in the UAE, as it is the only place where there will not be rains, Ganguly told the media.
However, ACC is yet to officially announce the UAE as the tournament venue.
Sri Lanka Cricket recently informed the ACC that it will not be able to host the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup T20 because of the economic and political crisis in the country.
BPL Football: Muktijoddha upset Mohammedan 2-1
Muktijoddha Sangsad upset Dhaka Mohammedan 2-1 in the 20th round match of the 12-team Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj Thursday.
Burundian forward Sudi Abdullah scored both goals for Muktijoddha in the 26th and 69th minutes. Nigerian midfielder Ugochukwu Obi Moneka pulled one back for the Black and Whites in the 89th.
With the day's victory, Muktijoddha moved to the 10th spot in the league table after securing 15 points from 20 matches. Dhaka Mohammedan remained in the fifth spot with 29 points from 20 matches.
In the day's other match, former champions Sheikh Russel outplayed Bangladesh Police 4-1 at the Bashundhara Sports Complex in Dhaka.
Nigerian forward Ismahil Akinade scored twice for Sheikh Russel in the 45th and 56th minutes, Ghanaian striker Richard Gadze and Ivory Coast player Didier Brossou scored one each in the 49th and 70th minutes.
Amiruddin Sharifi scored a consolation goal for Police in the 51st minute.
Despite the day's win, Sheikh Russel remained in the 8th spot after securing 25 points from 20 matches and Police in sixth place with 29 points from 20 matches.
In the day's other match, Rahmatganj crushed bottom-placed Swadhinata 5-1 at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi. Sunday Chizoba scored a hattrick Rahmatganj.
Ghanaian forward Philip Adijat and local midfielder Sanwar Hossain scored one each in the 28th and 86th minutes.
Read: BPL Football: Uttar Baridhara force Ctg Abahani to play 2-2 draw
Serbian Ivan Maric netted the lone goal for Swadhinata in the 56th minute.
Despite the day's victory, Rahmatganj remained rooted at the ninth spot with 18 points from 20 matches. Bottom-placed Swadhinata earned nine points from 20 encounters.
After the day's 20th round matches, Swadhinata (9 points), Uttara Baridhara (14 points) and Muktijoddha (15 points) and Rahmatganj MFS (18 points) are left looking over their shoulders at the relegation trap door.
Earlier, Bashundhara Kings stormed past Saif Sporting 2-0 to lift their third Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football title in a row winning a fierce encounter at Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Monday.
Before Monday's match, the Kings earned 49 points in 19 matches. They needed just one win in their remaining three matches against Saif Monday, Dhaka Abahani on July 24 and Sheikh Jamal on July 30 to lift the title for the third time in a row after Dhaka Abahani.
The Sky Blue Brigade clinched the BPL title for a record six times, including three times in a row.
The Kings were crowned champions after securing 51 points from 20 matches with 16 wins, three draws and one loss.
Independence Cup and Federation Cup champions Dhaka Abahani secured 44 points from 20 matches.