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Shakib Al Hasan: Saviour or Disruptor?
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's most accomplished cricketer, finds himself at the center of a swirling debate regarding his commitment to the national team. His return to the team for the second Test starting tomorrow against Sri Lanka, after missing earlier matches in the series, has reignited questions about his priorities and the impact his sporadic appearances have on the team.
The left-handed all-rounder last appeared in a First-Class match a year ago, during a Test against Ireland in Dhaka. Now, after a year-long hiatus from the longest format of cricket, he is set to play another Test without any intervening First-Class appearances. He has not played any international matches in 2024, despite Bangladesh having played seven matches. While the reasons for his absence remain unclear, his abrupt end to the 2023 World Cup was due to a finger injury, which also caused him to miss the home Test series against New Zealand and the subsequent away T20I and ODI series against the same opponent following Bangladesh's disastrous World Cup outing.
Shakib Al Hasan diagnosed with retinal condition in left eye
Shakib's undeniable talent and past contributions are unquestioned. He is a genuine all-rounder, capable of winning matches with both bat and ball. However, in recent years, his appearances for the national team have been inconsistent, with breaks taken for personal reasons, injuries, and even political activities (while the Bangladesh team was busy playing against New Zealand in New Zealand late last year, Shakib was actively campaigning for the national election in his constituency, Magura district). This inconsistency has led to a sense of unease and frustration among fans and experts alike.
During the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Shakib faced an eye issue that required medical attention. This issue reportedly affected him during the World Cup, contributing to his lean batting display, as he hinted in an interview with a cricket website. Despite this, he continued playing in the BPL, leading to rumors that he would take a break after the tournament. However, even before the BPL concluded, he contradicted earlier statements from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) by claiming that he had no issues with his eyes.
Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Men's Player of the Month for March 2023
Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, Shakib declared himself available, and the BCB promptly included him in the squad. This sudden turnaround has raised eyebrows and fueled the perception that Shakib dictates his own terms when it comes to playing for the national team. With his standout performances over the years, he made himself a difficult figure to criticize, though, the performance doesn't.
His absence from the earlier matches of the Sri Lanka series was attributed to personal activities, including brand endorsements. While these pursuits are understandable, their prioritization over national duty has left some questioning his commitment.
The times Shakib Al Hasan found himself in controversies
Shakib's leadership during the 2023 World Cup, which he himself acknowledged as one of Bangladesh's worst performances in the tournament, also comes under scrutiny. The team lost seven out of nine matches, including a shocking defeat to the Netherlands. This poor showing has led some to question his captaincy and ability to lead the team effectively.
Now, with his return for the second Test, Shakib's intentions and potential contribution are under the microscope. Is he returning to be the savior of a struggling team who lost the first Test by a margin of over 300 runs, or will his sporadic appearances further disrupt the rhythm and morale that the team is trying to build?
There are arguments to be made on both sides. On the one hand, Shakib's talent and experience are undeniable assets to the team. His presence can boost the morale of the players and provide much-needed stability in the batting and bowling departments. On the other hand, his inconsistent availability can disrupt team dynamics and make it difficult for the team management to build a cohesive unit.
Ultimately, the question of whether Shakib, in recent years, is a savior or disruptor for the Bangladesh national team remains open. His performance in the upcoming Test and his future commitment to the team will be crucial in determining the answer.
Sri Lanka win toss and bat in 2nd test against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final test against Bangladesh on Saturday in a bid to sweep the series.
Sri Lanka made one change from the team which won the first test by 328 runs with Asitha Fernando replacing the injured Kasun Rajitha.
Rajitha took eight wickets in the first match to play a leading role in Sri Lanka’s big win.
Bangladesh is bolstered by the return of star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, whose last international match was at the 2023 World Cup in India. The hosts also handed a test debut to pacer Hasan Mahmud, who has played 39 white-ball matches for Bangladesh.
They replaced fast bowlers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.
Lineups:
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando.
Bangladesh aim to prove their Test mettle
After a disappointing loss in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet, Bangladesh are determined to prove their Test credentials when they take on Sri Lanka in the second Test starting Saturday in Chattogram.
In the first Test, Bangladesh's batting faltered, failing to reach 200 runs in either innings. The top-order, in particular, failed to live up to expectations.
However, Bangladesh will be bolstered by the return of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is making his Test comeback after a year-long absence. Despite not having played any first-class cricket in the past year, Shakib's presence is expected to boost the team's morale.
While Shakib returns, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will be unavailable due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Nic Pothas will take charge of the Tigers for this Test. Pothas expressed his delight at Shakib's return, stating that the all-rounder is also happy to be back with the Test squad.
Unlike Sylhet, the Chattogram wicket is known to be more favorable to batsmen and spinners. This may prompt Bangladesh to field a spin-heavy playing XI, potentially including an extra batsman. However, Pothas has indicated that the final playing XI is yet to be determined.
Shakib's return provides Bangladesh with the flexibility to include an extra bowler or batter in their lineup. However, his recent lean patch with the bat may favor the inclusion of an extra batter.
The match is scheduled to begin at 10am Bangladesh time and will be broadcast live on T-Sports and various other platforms around the world.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Litton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Hasan
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Vishwa Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Chamika Gunasekara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Premier Div Hockey: Ashraful's hattrick guides Dhaka Abahani Ltd to bag 8th successive win
A brilliant hattrick by Ashraful Islam helped Dhaka Ahahani Ltd to bag the 8th successive win in the 11-team Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League outplaying Bangladesh Sporting Club by 6-2 goals at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium in that capital on Thursday.
With this victory, Dhaka Abahani not only maintained their all-win record as the lone team in the league but also maintained their top slot intact in the league table securing 24 points from straight eight matches.
Earlier, they outplayed Dilkusha SC by 10-1 goals, Usha KC by 2-1 goals, Azad SC by 10-1 goals, Sadharan Bima KS by 3-0 goals, Victoria SC by 16-0 goals, Ajax SC by 7-1 goals and Police SC by 4-2 goals.
Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintain unbeaten run beating Police SC 4-3
Bangladesh SC collected eight points from as many matches with two wins, two draws and four defeats.
In the day's 2nd and last match, national star defender Ashraful Islam made a hattrick scoring three goals while Obaidul Hossain Joy, Pushkar Kisha Mimo and Mohammad Abdullah scored one each for the traditional sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani.
Indian recruit Gurpreet Singh scored both goals for Bangladesh Sporting Club.
Earlier in the day's first match, Ajax SC, riding on a hattrick by Silheiba Lesham, beat Victoria, SC by 7-3 goals at the same venue Thursday afternoon.
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Indian player Silheiba Lesham made a hattrick scoring three goals while Tanzim Ahmed and another Indian Harshukpreet Singh scored two goals each for the Ajax SC.
Syed Iqbal Nadir Prince, Indian Akkhar Dube and Irshad Mirza scored one each for the Victoria SC.
With the day's well-merited win, Ajax SC brightened their chance to reach Super Six stage of the league securing 11 points from nine matches while lowly Victoria SC bagged only three points from eight encounters.
Bangladeshi Umpire Sharfuddoula makes history on ICC's elite panel
Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid has made history as the first Bangladeshi umpire to join the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
The announcement follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual review.
Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula set for another milestone
A selection panel made up of ICC General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan (Chair), Sanjay Manjrekar (former player and commentator), Tony Hill (retired umpire), and Mike Riley (consultant officiating expert) chose Sharfuddoula for the promotion.
Since joining the International Panel in 2006, Sharfuddoula has extensive experience, having officiated 10 men's test matches, 63 men's ODIs, 44 men's T20Is, 13 women's ODIs, and 28 Women's T20Is.
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He has also participated in major tournaments like the ICC Women's Cricket World Cups (2017 and 2021), the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018.
“It is a great honour to be named on the ICC Elite Panel. To be the first from my country on the panel makes it extra special, and I look forward to justifying the faith shown in me…,” as Sharfuddoula was quoted by the ICC.
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“I would like to thank the ICC and the BCB for backing me and my other colleagues for all their help and guidance. I would also like to thank my family and friends for standing by and supporting me," he added.
Women's Asia Cup T20 Cricket 2024: Grouping, fixture finalised
The grouping and fixture of the ninth edition of the Women's Asia Cup T20 Cricket 2024, beginning on July 19 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, have been finalised.
In the ensuing ninth edition, the Women’s Asia Cup cricket competition will feature eight teams—one more than in the previous edition in 2022—distributed into two groups.
Women's cricket: Bangladesh suffers a heavy defeat to Australia in series opener
Seven-time and defending champions India were put in Group A with their arch rivals Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal, while Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and hosts Sri Lanka were placed in Group B.
The top two teams from each group will play in the semi-finals on July 26. The final will be played on July 28.
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The India vs Pakistan vital group match will be played on July 21, while Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka in their first group match on July 20.
The inaugural Women’s Asia Cup was held in 2004 in Sri Lanka, with the first four editions played in the One Day International (ODI) format. India played in all eight finals, winning seven and losing one to Bangladesh in 2018.
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Sri Lanka have been runners-up five times, while the Pakistan cricket team has made the final twice.
The last edition was held in Bangladesh, with India restricting Sri Lanka to 65/9 in the final and winning the match with nine wickets to spare.
Grouping of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 Cricket 2024:
Group A: India, Pakistan, Nepal, UAE
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand
Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 fixture:
Date-Match-Group
July 19, Friday Pakistan vs Nepal AJuly 19, Friday India vs UAE AJuly 20, Saturday Malaysia vs Thailand BJuly 20, Saturday Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh BJuly 21, Sunday Nepal vs UAE AJuly 21, Sunday India vs Pakistan AJuly 22, Monday Sri Lanka vs Malaysia BJuly 22, Monday Bangladesh vs Thailand BJuly 23, Tuesday Pakistan vs UAE AJuly 23, Tuesday India vs Nepal AJuly 24, Wednesday Bangladesh vs Malaysia BJuly 24, Wednesday Sri Lanka vs Thailand BJuly 26, Friday Semi-final 1 -July 26, Friday Semi-final 2 -July 28, Sunday Final -
Premier Div Hockey: Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintain unbeaten run beating Police SC 4-3
Dhaka Mohammedan SC maintained their unbeaten record in the 11-team Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League beating Bangladesh Police SC by 4-3 goal in a keenly contested match at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
With the day's feat, Mohammedan SC maintained their 2nd slot intact in the league securing 19 points from seven matches after beating Victoria SC 10-1, Azad SC 4-0, drew 3-3 draw with Usha KC, crushing Dilkusha SC 11-1, Sadharan Bima KS 5-1 and Ajax SC 5-3, apart from day's 4-3 victory.
Bangladesh Coach Misses Second Test Against Sri Lanka, Pothas Steps In
Dhaka Abahani Ltd dominated the league with all-win record securing full 21 points from straight seven matches after beating Dilkusha SC 10-1, Usha KC 2-1, Azad SC 10-1, Sadharan Bima KS 3-0 Victoria SC 16-0, Ajax SC 7-1 and Police SC 4-2.
In the day's match, Malaysian player Faizal Bin Sarri struck twice,Din Islam Emon and Ashraful Islam scored one each for the traditional black and whites Mohammedan
Indian recruit Gurjot Singh, Abdul Malek and Nahid Labu scored one goal each for the Police team.
In the day's other league match, Sadharan Bima KS outplayed Azad SC by 6-2 goal at the same venue Wednesday afternoon.
Shakil Hossain scored two while Rabbi Salehin Rocky, Jamil Bin Talib Shihab, Hridoy Hossain and Indian Ashu scored one goal each for the Insurance men's team.
Mohabbat and Shahi scored for Azad SC.
The Tuesday's ill-fated match between Ajax SC and Bangladesh Sporting Club ended in 3-3 draw at the same venue wednesday noon.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh to host Palestine on Tuesday
The match was abandoned 11.5 minutes before the final whistle on Tuesday following an umpire decision when the match was locked in 3-3 goals..
The result of the match remained unchanged as both teams failed score any goal in the remaining part of the match on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Coach Misses Second Test Against Sri Lanka, Pothas Steps In
Bangladesh Head Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe will miss the team's second Test match against Sri Lanka due to urgent personal reasons.
The match begins March 30th in Chattogram.
Hathurusinghe is traveling to Australia immediately. Assistant Coach Nic Pothas will take over as Head Coach for the match.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked for privacy and understanding for Hathurusinghe during this time.
Bangladesh lost the first Test to Sri Lanka by a big margin of over 300 runs. Earlier, Bangladesh won the ODI series against the same opponent, but lost the T20I series.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh concede 0-1 goal defeat against Palestine in last moment debacle
Bangladesh conceded a shocking 0-1 goal defeat against war-torn stronger Arabian nation Palestine in a last moment debacle in their 4th Group I match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in a home match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Tuesday.
This was the first defeat for Bangladesh national football team in their 5th international match at their lucky ground --Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka.
T-Sports telecast the match live from Kings arena.
After the stipulated 90 minutes, ten minutes added time was given by the match referee and in the beginning of added time Palentine midfielder Ameed Mahajneh got marching order after receiving the 2nd yellow card in the match.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Bangladesh to host Palestine on Tuesday
But, Bangladesh failed to take its advantage and miserably conceded a goal in a couple of minutes.
When the match was almost heading for a draw in the added time, then unmarked defender Michael Termanini scored the match winning goal for Palestine by a palacing shot from close with the frustration of soccer loving Bangladesh fans.
Bangladesh, which suffered a huge 0-5 goals defeat against Palestine in their away match in Kuwait last Thursday, today (Tuesday) bravely battled with their Arabian rivals, specially in the 2nd half, but failed to escape defeat due to shakiness of their defenders in the last few minutes.
Bangladesh custodian Mitul Marma, who made at least three brilliant saves in the match, was forced to leave the field with injury in the 83rd minute replacing Mehdi Hasan Srabon.
Oday Dabbagh, who made a hattrick against Bangladesh in the Kuwait match, spoiled the golden opportunity in the early 2nd half as he failed to fire the open net from the danger zone.
Foysal Hossain Fahim also came close to scoring in the 2nd half but he failed to connect the ball properly.
Bangladesh conceded defeat in all of their eight matches except making 1-1 draw in their first meeting in the AFC Challenge Cup held in Dhaka in 2006.
Palestine is 86 steps ahead of Bangladesh in the current FIFA men's world ranking with a ranking of 97 against the Bangladesh ranking 183.
Bangladesh Football team to play Palestine March 21 in World Cup Qualifiers
Earlier, Bangladesh suffered a 0-7 goals defeat against World Cup playing hosts Australia in their first away match on November 16 and drew 1-1 with another Arabian nation Lebanon in their home match in Dhaka on Nov 21, apart from 0-5 defeat against Palestine in Kuwait last week.
In the remaining two FIFA World Cup Qualifying round group matches, Bangladesh will play World Cup playing Australia in a home match on June 6 and will play Lebanon in the away match on June 11.
Shakib returns to Bangladesh Test squad after a year
Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to make his return to Test cricket after a year-long absence, as he has been included in the Bangladesh squad for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka. The match will be played in Chattogram, starting on March 30.
Shakib last played a Test match in April 2023 against Ireland in Mirpur. He has more than 4000 runs and over 200 wickets in Test. His return is a major boost for Bangladesh, who are trailing 1-0 in the series after a heavy defeat in the first Test.
BPL 2024: Rangpur Riders rout Chattogram Challengers as Neesham, Shakib shineBatter Tawhid Hridoy, who was part of the squad for the first Test, has been omitted to make way for Shakib. Additionally, pacer Mushfik Hasan has been ruled out due to an ankle injury and will be replaced by Hasan Mahmud. While Mahmud has represented Bangladesh in 39 white-ball matches, he is yet to make his Test debut.
The second Test is a crucial encounter for Bangladesh as they look to level the series and earn valuable points in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
In the first Test, Bangladesh suffered a thumping defeat by over 300 runs after the batters failed to prove their mettle against the quality Sri Lankan attack. However, prior to the Test series, Bangladesh won the ODI series after losing the T20I series.
BCB Special Committee meets with Shakib, Tamim to evaluate World Cup performance
Bangladesh squad for the second Test vs Sri Lanka: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud //