United News of Bangladesh

Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan test cricket coach last December and has used a social media post to describe interim head coach Aaqib Javed as a “clown.” Gillespie was a fast bowler who played 71 tests and 97 one-day internationals for Australia from 1996-2006 before going into coaching. He was appointed last April for two years as Pakistan’s test coach but quit before a series in South Africa less than eight months later after an unsuccessful start. He was the second foreigner to leave Pakistan’s program in less than two months after South African Gary Kirsten stepped down as limited-overs coach in October. Aaqib, Pakistan's national selector and interim head coach, acknowledged this week after Pakistan’s failure to reach the knockout stage of the Champions Trophy — following losses to New Zealand and India — that the chopping and changing hasn’t helped the national team. BCB thanks Mushfiqur Rahim for remarkable ODI career “We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so,” he was quoted as saying at a news conference to announce the latest overhaul of Pakistan's limited-overs squads. “You put that formula on any team in the world, I think they will also be in the same situation. "Until you get consistency right from the top down to the bottom, from the chairman down, then your team will not progress.” Gillespie responded to those comments by posting an Instagram story late Wednesday describing the analysis as “hilarious.” “Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes campaigning to be the coach in all formats,” Gillespie posted. “He is a clown.” Aaqib,a former Pakistan cricket international, had been acting as interim coach of the limited-overs squads following Kirsten's departure when he took over the test squad from Gillespie. Champions Trophy: New Zealand secure final spot with 50-run win over South Africa Aaqib's contract initially ran until the Champions Trophy but he is set to continue in the role while the Pakistan Cricket Board searches for a full-time replacement.

Mahidul Islam Ankan and Towhid Hridoy forged a 119-run stand in the third wicket partnership and guided Mohammedan Sporting Club to a seven-wicket win over Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club on Thursday in Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. It was Mohammedan’s second win in the league, while Rupganj Tigers suffered their second defeat in two matches in the league so far. BCB thanks Mushfiqur Rahim for remarkable ODI career In this match, Rupganj Tigers batted first and posted 222 for nine, with Tanbir Hyder hitting the highest of 37 runs. For Mohammedan, Ebadot Hossain, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two wickets each. In reply, Mohammedan chased down the target in 37.5 overs and won the match. Ankan and Hridoy remained unbeaten for 81 and 74, respectively. To play this innings, Hridoy faced only 47 balls. He smashed 11 fours and one six. In the other match of the day, Abahani Limited beat Gulshan Cricket Club by 162 runs. Parvez Hossain Emon hit a century for Abahani in this match in BKSP. Rakibul Hasan took four wickets for them. In the other match, Partex Sporting Club beat Prime Bank Cricket Club by three wickets in BKSP. Sabbir Rahman scored 53, Alauddin Babu hit 78 off just 32 balls to guide them to chase down a target of 300 runs.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed their gratitude to Mushfiqur Rahim for his exceptional service to Bangladesh cricket following his announcement to retire from ODIs, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly two decades. In a media release issued on Thursday, the BCB acknowledged Mushfiqur’s immense contributions to Bangladesh’s ODI success. The board highlighted his dedication, professionalism, and passion, all of which played a key role in Bangladesh’s development in the format. “Mushfiqur Rahim’s work ethic, resilience, and dogged determination serve as examples that will inspire generations to come. His name will always shine brightly when we speak of Bangladesh's finest ODI moments,” BCB President Faruque Ahmed said in the BCB media release.  Mushfiqur, who made his ODI debut in 2006, went on to become one of Bangladesh’s most dependable performers with the bat, while also excelling as a wicketkeeper. He retires as Bangladesh’s most-capped ODI player, having appeared in 274 matches. Tamim Iqbal to be accorded formal farewell by BCB during BPL final In those games, Mushfiqur accumulated 7,795 runs, making him Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs. He also holds the record for the most dismissals by a Bangladeshi wicketkeeper in ODIs, with 243 catches and 56 stumpings. “It is an unbelievable accomplishment to have played this format at the highest level for 19 years, which speaks volumes about his consistency and character,” Faruque added.  Mushfiqur’s influence extended beyond his performances with the bat and gloves. He captained Bangladesh in 37 ODIs and remains one of the few cricketers from the country to have played in five ICC ODI World Cups.  While bidding farewell to the ODI format, Mushfiqur will continue to play Test cricket.

Bangladesh’s veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim has announced his retirement from ODIs. To honour his career and express his gratitude, Mushfiqur’s longtime friend and teammate Tamim Iqbal took to social media — but not with just a simple post. Instead, Tamim shared a heartfelt video to mark the occasion. “When someone retires, people usually post something on social media to share their feelings. But this time, it’s someone I have shared a journey with for 20 to 25 years. A mere post wouldn’t be enough,” Tamim said in the video after Mushfiqur’s retirement announcement. Should seasoned cricketers Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur retire? “I have seen how you grew step by step into one of the best batters Bangladesh has ever produced,” Tamim continued. “Since we have played together for so long, I know firsthand how hard Mushfiqur works. I think he works as hard as humanly possible — even now. Many people don’t know this, but I do.” Mushfiqur had previously retired from T20Is in 2022, meaning Test cricket is now the only format he will continue playing. Tamim wished his friend well in Tests, hoping Mushfiqur can become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Test matches. “I can imagine how hard it was for him to make this decision,” Tamim added. “I hope he continues playing Tests and reaches the 100-Test milestone.” The wicketkeeper-batter represented Bangladesh in 274 ODIs — the most by any Bangladeshi player in this format. Over his ODI career, Mushfiqur scored 7,795 runs, including 9 centuries and 49 half-centuries, while also taking 243 catches and completing 56 stumpings behind the wicket. Mushfiqur’s recent performances in ODIs had been underwhelming, which likely played a role in his decision to retire. His lean patch also drew heavy criticism from fans and analysts. “The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realize that this is my destiny,” Mushfiqur wrote on social media. “I would like to deeply thank my family, friends, and my fans, for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.”

Steve Smith has retired from one-day international cricket in the wake of Australia’s Champions Trophy semifinal loss to India. Cricket Australia issued a statement Wednesday to confirm the former skipper’s retirement from the 50-over version of the game. Smith will continue to play test cricket for Australia and remains available for selection in the Twenty20 format. The decision means the 35-year-old batter won’t be available for Australia’s World Cup defense in 2027 despite standing in for Pat Cummins as captain for the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. In his last ODI innings, Smith top-scored for Australia with 76 runs from 96 deliveries but his team lost by four wickets to India at Dubai on Tuesday night and narrowly missed out on reaching the tournament final. Smith was part of victorious ODI World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2023, and said those were career highlights in the format. “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement. “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.” Champions Trophy: New Zealand secure final spot with 50-run win over South Africa In the test format, where matches are played across five days, Smith has scored 10,271 runs in 116 tests, including 36 centuries and 41 half-centuries, and averages 56.74 per innings. His next assignment will be in Australia's attempt to defend the World Test Championship in June's final against South Africa at Lord's and in the subsequent test tour to the Caribbean. Australia hosts the Ashes against England starting in November. “Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies (tour) and then England at home," Smith said. "I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.” After making his international debut against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning allrounder, Smith played 170 ODIs and tallied 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries. Smith was Australia's ODI player of the year in 2015 and 2021 and was part of the International Cricket Council's ODI team of the year in 2015. Australia's selection committee chairman George Bailey said Smith remained "fully committed to test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.” “Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports," Bailey said. “To leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players.”

New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to advance to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face India. This victory marked a significant opportunity for New Zealand to contend for a major ICC trophy, while for South Africa, it was yet another heartbreaking exit in a knockout-stage match of a major event. Riding on the centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, the Black Caps set a big target of 363, which proved too tough for South Africa despite a late-century from David Miller.  Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand lost opener Will Young for 21, but Ravindra and Williamson built a solid platform with a 164-run stand for the second wicket. Ravindra, continuing his superb form, scored 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson struck 102 off 94 deliveries, both mixing caution with aggression.  Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim retires from ODIs Contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 not out off 27) ensured New Zealand crossed the 360-run mark. South Africa’s bowlers found it tough to contain New Zealand’s batting depth. Lungi Ngidi took 3 for 72, while Kagiso Rabada bagged two wickets.  Chasing 363, South Africa needed a strong start but lost Ryan Rickelton early. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a 105-run stand. Bavuma made 56 off 71, while van der Dussen added 69 off 66, but neither could carry on to lead the chase.  The turning point came when Mitchell Santner, who finished with 3 for 43, removed both Bavuma and van der Dussen in quick succession. South Africa’s middle order then collapsed under pressure, leaving too much for Miller to do alone. Miller fought alone, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive until the final overs. Virat Kohli explains how he guided India to Champions Trophy final  However, wickets kept falling around him, and the required run rate soared out of reach. Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips chipped in with key wickets to keep South Africa in check. “The platform we were able to set with Rachin and Kane was great. The finishers did their job, and the key for the bowlers was to keep chipping away with wickets,” After the match, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said.

Bangladesh star batter Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement from ODI cricket. He announced his retirement through a social media post on Wednesday night.  “I am announcing my retirement from the ODI format as of today,” he wrote. “Alhamdulillah for everything. While our achievements may have been limited on a global level, one thing is certain: whenever I stepped onto the field for my country, I gave more than 100% with dedication and honesty.” Virat Kohli explains how he guided India to Champions Trophy final  The right-handed wicketkeeper batter played his first ODI in 2006 against Zimbabwe in Harare. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most regular faces in the Bangladesh setup.  He represented Bangladesh in 274 ODIs—most by any Bangladeshi in this format.  Mushfiqur scored 7795 runs in this format with 9 centuries and 49 fifties. He has 243 catches and 56 stumpings too. Mushfiqur’s recent performance has been below average, which might have played a role in his decision to retire. Litton Das to play for Gulshan Cricket Club in DPL “The last few weeks have been very challenging for me, and I have come to realise that this is my destiny,” he wrote on his social media, adding, “I would like to deeply thank my family, friends, and my fans, for whom I have played cricket for the last 19 years.” Mushfiqur also retired from T20Is earlier in September 2022. He will now only play Test cricket for Bangladesh and continue playing in the domestic circuit.

Indian great Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as the king of the chase, playing yet another crucial knock to guide India to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy defeating Australia. Chasing 265 is never easy on the tricky Dubai surface, but when Kohli plays like he usually does, it becomes easy. His innings featured just five boundaries, but it was his ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships that stood out. “I was not feeling desperate, and I was pretty happy knocking ones around,” Kohli said after the match. “And when, as a batter, you start taking pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, that is when you know you are playing good cricket and know you are in for a big partnership. It settles down the nerves. That was the most pleasing factor for me today,” as he quoted by the ICC. While chasing 265, India suffered early setbacks losing the openers cheaply. They were reeling at 43 for two. But that was the point when Kohli stood strong, and stretched important partnerships with Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and KL Rahul to guide India to the track. Ravindra, Williamson centuries power New Zealand to 362 in Champions Trophy semifinal The Dubai pitch has made life difficult for batters throughout the tournament, forcing teams to rely heavily on spinners. India’s bowling unit, led by their spin trio, kept Australia in check, bowling them out for 264 in the final over.  “For me it is about understanding the conditions, preparing my game accordingly, rotating strike,” Kohli said. “Big partnerships on this pitch are the most important thing and my effort today was to string enough partnerships [together]. The pitch tells me how the cricket needs to be played and then I just switch on and play accordingly.”  While Kohli missed out on a century, he insisted milestones were never his focus. “For me, it is all about taking pride and doing the job for the team. If I get to the three-figure mark then great. If not, on nights like these, you win, it is a happy dressing room,” he said after the match. India will now face winners of the second semifinal— either New Zealand or South Africa— in the final aiming to lift their third Champions Trophy title.

Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson propelled New Zealand to a big total of 362 for 6 in their Champions Trophy semifinal against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, New Zealand made a steady start despite losing opener Will Young for 21. Ravindra and Williamson then took charge, adding 164 runs for the second wicket. Ravindra led the way with a 108 off 101 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. Williamson matched his partner’s brilliance, scoring 102 off 94 deliveries, with 10 boundaries and two sixes. Ravindra reached his century off 93 balls, while Williamson completed his hundred off 91 balls, giving New Zealand a strong platform to push for a big total. Even after both set batters departed, Daryl Mitchell’s quickfire 49 from 37 balls and Glenn Phillips’ explosive unbeaten 49 off just 27 deliveries ensured New Zealand did not lose momentum in the final overs. Steve Smith retires from ODI cricket after Champions Trophy South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Lungi Ngidi taking 3 for 72. Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets but was also expensive, conceding 70 runs in his 10 overs. Marco Jansen, who opened the bowling, went wicketless while giving away 79 runs. With 362 on the board, New Zealand put themselves in a strong position to reach the final, where India is already waiting after defeating Australia in the first semifinal.

Steve Smith has retired from one-day international cricket in the wake of Australia’s Champions Trophy semifinal loss to India. Cricket Australia issued a statement Wednesday to confirm the former skipper’s retirement from the 50-over version of the game. Smith will continue to play test cricket for Australia and remains available for selection in the Twenty20 format. The decision means the 35-year-old batter won’t be available for Australia’s World Cup defense in 2027 despite standing in for Pat Cummins as captain for the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. In his last ODI innings, Smith top-scored for Australia with 76 runs from 96 deliveries but his team lost by four wickets to India at Dubai on Tuesday night and narrowly missed out on reaching the tournament final. Smith was part of victorious ODI World Cup campaigns in 2015 and 2023, and said those were career highlights in the format. “It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement. “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.” Kohli keeps his cool in tense contest as India overcome Australia to march to Champions Trophy final In the test format, where matches are played across five days, Smith has scored 10,271 runs in 116 tests, including 36 centuries and 41 half-centuries, and averages 56.74 per innings. His next assignment will be in Australia's attempt to defend the World Test Championship in June's final against South Africa at Lord's and in the subsequent test tour to the Caribbean. Australia hosts the Ashes against England starting in November. “Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies (tour) and then England at home," Smith said. "I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.” After making his international debut against the West Indies in 2010 as a leg-spinning allrounder, Smith played 170 ODIs and tallied 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries. Smith was Australia's ODI player of the year in 2015 and 2021 and was part of the International Cricket Council's ODI team of the year in 2015. Australia's selection committee chairman George Bailey said Smith remained "fully committed to test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.” “Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports," Bailey said. “To leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players.”