Cricket
BPL 2024: Towhid bounces back, leads Comilla Victorians to dominant win
The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram saw Towhid Hridoy deliver a match-winning performance for the defending BPL champions, the Comilla Victorians, on Wednesday.
In a stunning turnaround, Hridoy smashed an unbeaten 91 off just 47 balls after suffering a first-ball duck in their previous match. His destructive innings, featuring seven boundaries and seven sixes, propelled Comilla to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Khulna Tigers.
BPL 2024: Jacks Scores Century, Moeen Takes Hat-trick as Comilla Dominate Chattogram
Khulna opted to bat first but failed to gain significant momentum, ending their innings at 164/8. The Victorians bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Moeen Ali (2/46) and Matthew Forde (2/36) proving the most effective.
The Victorians' chase started poorly, with Litton Das dismissed cheaply, but Will Jacks (18) steadied the innings.
BPL Mid-Season Standout Stars: Naim, Shoriful Lead as Tournament Shifts to Chattogram
Towhid then showcased his full potential, reaching his half-century in just 27 balls. His earlier century in the tournament had marked the BPL season's first, and Wednesday’s form further cements him as a crucial player for the defending champions. Johnson Charles (13) and Jaker Ali (40*) played supporting roles as Comilla cruised to victory with 21 balls remaining.
This win keeps the Comilla Victorians comfortably placed in the BPL points table, while the Khulna Tigers' struggles in the tournament continue as they suffer their fifth consecutive defeat.
BPL 2024: Historic losing streak ends Dhaka's playoff hopes
In the day's other match, Fortune Barishal bounced back from recent struggles to defeat Durdanto Dhaka by 27 runs. Tamim Iqbal anchored Barishal's innings with 71, while Alex Hales (89*) made a valiant effort for Dhaka. However, Barishal's bowlers, led by three-wicket hauls from Khaled Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin, sealed the victory. This win lifts Barishal to third place in the standings.
In stark contrast, Dhaka's dismal season continues. They now face the ignominy of a record nine consecutive defeats, the worst losing streak in BPL history.
Nabi Overtakes Shakib as Top ODI All-Rounder
Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi has dethroned Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan as the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings.
Nabi's remarkable 136-run performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka propelled him to the top spot, making him the oldest player (39 years, one month) to achieve this status.
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Shakib's reign as the No. 1 ODI all-rounder had been an impressive one. He held the position for a record 4,276 days, with an unbroken stretch of 1,739 days since May 7, 2019. This marks the longest uninterrupted tenure at the top of the ODI rankings for any player.
Nabi's ascent underscores Afghanistan's growing prominence in the cricketing world. Previously, the country has seen Rashid Khan (ODI/T20I bowling) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (T20I bowling) top the ICC rankings.
The first two ODIs against Sri Lanka saw notable performances on both sides.
BPL Mid-Season Standout Stars: Naim, Shoriful Lead as Tournament Shifts to Chattogram
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai climbed 19 places to 57th due to his unbeaten 149, while Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka (97*), Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama gained in the batting rankings. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madhushanka made strides in the bowling rankings.
New BCB chief selector emphasises independent decision-making
In his first media interaction as the new Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu stressed his expectation to work independently, without undue pressure from external forces.
This statement addressed concerns surrounding tension between coaches and selectors. During his previous tenure as Bangladesh coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe reportedly had a strained relationship with former chief selector Faruque Ahmed.
Big change at BCB: Former captain Lipu replaces Nannu as chief selector
“I will have freedom,” Lipu asserted. “I've discussed this with the board. Our goal is to uphold the highest international standards for selection.”
He also expressed optimism about the working partnership within the new selection panel. Though Gazi Ashraf has extensive experience with the BCB, he hasn't held a board position since 2013.
Khaled Mahmud surprised by Gazi Ashraf's appointment as chief selector
When asked about potential conflicts with coaches, he responded, “The ball is yet to be delivered,” implying that he anticipates future discussions that may lead to friction with the coaching staff.
Newly appointed selector Hannan Sarkar, a veteran of age-level selection, attended the press conference alongside Gazi Ashraf. He expressed his eagerness to contribute his experience to the national team selection process.
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
Khaled Mahmud surprised by Gazi Ashraf's appointment as chief selector
Khaled Mahmud, vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)'s Cricket Operations Department, expressed surprise on Tuesday at the appointment of Gazi Ashraf as the new chief selector of the national team.
“It was really surprising for me. I hadn't heard his name as a candidate. Many other names were doing the rounds, but I didn't hear his,” Mahmud told reporters in Dhaka.
Big change at BCB: Former captain Lipu replaces Nannu as chief selector
Mahmud said he expected to be informed about the appointment of the chief selector as he is the vice-chairman of the Cricket Operations Department.
“Though I’m the vice-chairman of the cricket operation, I didn't know that we were appointing a new selector. It’s a surprising move. I even don’t know why I should be at this position,” he said.
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
Mahmud, however, said he has no doubt about Ashraf's cricketing knowledge and ability.
“I have no doubt about Lipu bhai's (Ashraf) cricketing knowledge,” he said. “He is a very senior cricketer and has been involved with cricket for a long time. He has captained the national team. So, there is no question about his cricketing knowledge," he said.
Mahmudullah included, Tamim axed from BCB's new central contracts
Mahmud also said he is hopeful that Ashraf will be able to do a good job as the chief selector.
“He has a good cricketing brain and is a very intelligent person. I am sure he will be able to work well with the other selectors and the coaching staff,” he said.
Ashraf, a former Bangladesh captain, was appointed as the chief selector on Monday. He replaced Minhajul Abedin, who had been in the role since 2016.
Mahmud also expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of Hannan Sarkar in the selection panel.
“I am very happy that Hannan has been included in the selection panel. He is very experienced and has a good understanding of the game. He will be a valuable asset to the selection panel,” he said.
Ashraf will take over the role of the chief selector soon for a two-year tenure. In panel, the other two members are Hannan Sarkar and Abdur Razzak.
BCB announces squad for Sri Lanka T20Is and ODIs
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming three-match T20I and the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka next month.
Right-arm spinner Aliss Al Islam earned his maiden call-up to the national T20I squad. Additionally, veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad returns to the T20I lineup based on his recent strong performances.
Aliss’ inclusion was a surprising move, as he only scalped 19 wickets in 24 T20s. Overlooking spinners like Mehdiy Hasan Miraz or Tanvir Islam for T20Is was also a head-spinning decision.
BPL 2024: Jacks Scores Century, Moeen Takes Hat-trick as Comilla Dominate Chattogram
Afif Hossain and Shamim Hossain were also overlooked from the T20I side. They were part of the team in the last T20I series against New Zealand.
The Sri Lanka series begins on March 4th with the first T20I at Sylhet International Stadium. The remaining two T20I matches will take place at the same venue on March 6th and 9th. The first two matches will start at 6 pm, while the third will begin at 3 pm.
The series then shifts to Chattogram for the ODIs, with matches on March 13th, 15th, and 18th. The first two ODIs will start at 2:30 pm, and the third at 10 am.
Mahmudullah included, Tamim axed from BCB's new central contracts
Following the white-ball matches, the teams will compete in a two-match test series. The first test will begin on March 22nd in Chattogram, and the second test will commence on March 30th in Sylhet.
T20I squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Tawhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Aliss Al Islam
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
ODI squad (for the first and second matches):
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Anamul Haque Bijoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman.
BPL 2024: Jacks Scores Century, Moeen Takes Hat-trick as Comilla Dominate Chattogram
The Chattogram phase of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season began with a resounding victory for defending champions Comilla Victorians on Tuesday at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Batting first, the Victorians posted a massive 239 for three – tying the highest total in BPL history – powered by a century from Will Jacks and fifties from Litton Das and Moeen Ali.
This marked the second century of the current BPL season, the first one was notched up by Towhid Hridoy.
Mahmudullah included, Tamim axed from BCB's new central contracts
In reply to a big total, Chattogram Challengers initially kept pace with the required run rate despite losing wickets regularly.
Josh Brown and Tanzid Hasan put on an 80-run opening stand in 7.3 overs. However, Chattogram's momentum faltered after the openers departed. And they failed to come to a position to pose a strong challenge to Comilla.
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
Moeen Ali and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain each took four wickets, with Moeen's haul including a thrilling hat-trick to dismiss the final three Chattogram batters.
Chattogram were bowled out for 166 in 16.3 overs, handing Comilla a 73-run victory. This win propels Comilla to second place in the standings with 12 points.
Mahmudullah included, Tamim axed from BCB's new central contracts
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced its new central contracts for national cricketers on Monday for the year 2024.
The list includes 21 players, notably Mahmudullah Riyad, but excluding former captain Tamim Iqbal.
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
Mahmudullah's inclusion comes after some uncertainty following his absence from the national team prior to last year's World Cup. However, his strong performance in both the World Cup and the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) likely influenced the decision to award him a contract.
It is important to note that a contract in one format does not restrict a player from participating in others unless they are officially retired. So Mahmudullah may also be available to play in T20Is.
Big change at BCB: Former captain Lipu replaces Nannu as chief selector
Tamim's exclusion was anticipated, as he previously expressed a desire not to be included in the new contract, effectively signalling the end of his international career. This follows his initial retirement announcement during a home series against Afghanistan last year, prompted by criticism from BCB president Nazmul Hasan.
While Tamim briefly returned to the team following an intervention from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recurring injuries have since sidelined him. He missed both the Asia Cup and the World Cup in India last year.
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The BCB has awarded contracts across different formats: five players for all three formats, two for ODI only, one for ODI and Test, six for Test only, four for T20I and ODI, and three for T20I only.
Along with Tamim, three others—Ebadot Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Mosaddek Hossain—have lost their contracts. And three players—Towhid Hridoy, Nasum Ahmed, Naeem Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib—were included in the new contract.
Who gets which contract
All formats: Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Medidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Shoriful Islam.
Test and ODI: Mushfiqur Rahim; Only Test: Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Khaled Ahmed, Nayeem Hasan.
Only ODI: Mahmudullah Riyad, Tanzim Hasan Shakib; ODI and T20I: Taskin Ahmed, Tawhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud.
Only T20I: Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan.
Shanto named Bangladesh captain in all formats
Left-handed opener Najmul Hossain Shanto will take over as captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team in all formats, replacing Shakib Al Hasan in at least one format.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan Papon, also the sports minister, announced the decision following the board's first meeting of the year on Monday.
Big change at BCB: Former captain Lipu replaces Nannu as chief selector
“Najmul Hossain Shanto has been appointed as the new captain in all formats,” Nazmul Hasan stated. “He will lead Bangladesh in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for at least this year.”
The decision marks a shift from previous statements by BCB's cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, who indicated during the recent home series against New Zealand that Shakib would continue as captain.
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Shanto's appointment as T20I captain may come as a surprise, as Shakib remains a regular in the format for Bangladesh. However, a combination of factors influenced the decision, according to Nazmul Hasan.
“Shakib is facing ongoing issues with his eyesight,” the BCB president explained. “With upcoming series against Sri Lanka and the World Cup on the horizon, we felt appointing a new captain now provides crucial stability.”
Sylhet Test: Shanto Hits Century as Bangladesh Secures a Lead of Over 200
The BCB president expressed hope that this change will facilitate smooth preparations for the World Cup.
Shanto has proven his leadership abilities while captaining Bangladesh in Shakib's absence. He recently expressed a desire for a longer stint as captain while interacting with the media.
Shanto boasts a successful captaining record with Bangladesh, having led the team to three victories in six ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests. He also demonstrated leadership experience as captain of the Bangladesh U-19 team.
The vice-captain position remains open. The board president indicated that several names are under consideration and that Bangladesh may have different vice-captains for Test and ODI formats.
As the full-time captain, Shanto’s first assignment is going to be the home series against Sri Lanka, comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. The series will be played across two venues in Sylhet and Chattogram.
Big change at BCB: Former captain Lipu replaces Nannu as chief selector
Former Bangladesh captain Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has been appointed the new chief selector of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), replacing Minhajul Abedin Nannu.
Sports Minister and BCB President Nazmul Hasan made the announcement after the first BCB board meeting of the year on Monday.
Record Alert: Teenager Scores 320 Runs in BCB’s Age-Level Tournament
“We discussed the appointment of the chief selector at length,” Nazmul said. “Ultimately, we agreed on Gazi Ashraf. We considered several candidates, but Gazi Ashraf was our unanimous choice,” said the minister.
Former Bangladesh opener Hanan Sarkar has joined the selection panel as a selector, bringing his experience in age-level cricket selection. Hannan boasts a distinguished career with 17 Tests, 20 ODIs, and over 4000 runs in first-class cricket.
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The panel was completed by former Bangladeshi spinner Abdur Razzak, who was also a member of the last panel.
Gazi Ashraf's appointment is somewhat surprising, as he has not been prominently discussed for the position in recent times. A former batter, Gazi Ashraf captained the Bangladesh team in its first seven ODIs between 1986 and 1990 and is highly respected within the country's cricketing circles.
Minhajul Abedin, who became chief selector in June 2016, and Habibul Bashar have been removed from the selection panel. However, Nazmul confirmed they would be offered other positions within the BCB.
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“The board appreciates the contributions of Minhajul and his panel,” Nazmul said. “They have served with distinction, and we want to retain their expertise. We will appoint them to suitable positions in due course.”
BPL Mid-Season Standout Stars: Naim, Shoriful Lead as Tournament Shifts to Chattogram
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) reaches its midway point with thrilling performances and a shakeup in the standings. With a two-day break before the next phase in Chattogram, now is an opportune moment to reflect on the standout performers who have shaped the tournament thus far.In the batting department, several players have shone brightly. Mohammad Naim of Durdanto Dhaka stands tall as the leading run-scorer, amassing an impressive total of 266 runs in 9 innings with a highest score of 71. Despite his individual consistency, his team faces early elimination from the playoff race.
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Rangpur Riders' Babar Azam left a lasting impression with his elegant stroke play, accumulating 251 runs in just 6 innings at an outstanding average of 50.20. His adaptability and finesse made him a vital cog in the Rangpur Riders' batting lineup. However, Babar has left the BPL due to other commitments.
Comilla Victorians' Tawhid Hridoy has also played a pivotal role, displaying raw power and aggressive intent. With 250 runs in 7 innings, including a memorable century, Tawhid has emerged as a dynamic middle-order batter capable of changing the game in a flash.
BPL 2024: Historic losing streak ends Dhaka's playoff hopes
On the bowling front, Shoriful Islam of Durdanto Dhaka leads the wicket-taking charts with 17 scalps in 9 innings. His left-arm pace and subtle variations have troubled batters throughout the tournament, though his efforts weren't enough to avoid his team's early elimination.
Spinners Mahedi Hasan of Rangpur Riders and Tanvir Islam of Comilla Victorians have also excelled, claiming 12 and 11 wickets respectively. Their turn, flight, and guile have made them formidable opponents for any batting lineup.
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After a strong start, Rangpur Riders hold the top spot with six wins. Defending champions Comilla Victorians remain in hot pursuit, while the Chattogram Challengers are fierce competitors in third. Fortune Barishal and the Khulna Tigers battle for playoff contention.
The Chattogram phase of the BPL kicks off on Tuesday, February 13th, and concludes on February 20th. The final phase will then shift to Dhaka, starting on February 23rd. The final of the season will take place on March 1 in Dhaka.