United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman has been roped in by Lahore Qalandars for the next season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Mustafizur was earlier bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but was later released due to security concerns for him in India, which sparked a geopolitical storm in the cricketing world.  The franchise announced on Thursday that they have secured the left-arm pacer via a direct signing ahead of the league's auction. The deal is valued at 64.4 million Pakistani Rupees (approximately 28.1 million Bangladeshi Taka). Mustafizur’s release from KKR triggered a domino effect that has since fractured the region's cricketing ties. Read More: Mustafizur Rahman named in Wisden’s 2025 T20 team of the year Following Mustafizur's exclusion, the Bangladesh government refused to send the national team to India for the T20 World Cup due to safety concerns. After the ICC rejected a venue change request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, the Pakistan government announced a boycott of their World Cup match against India in solidarity with Dhaka. Welcoming Mustafizur back, the Lahore Qalandars described the signing as a “return to the family,” referring to his previous stint with the team during the 2017-18 season. The 11th edition of the PSL, which has expanded to eight teams this year, is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3. While the player draft is set for February 11, the Qalandars utilized the direct signing rule to secure Mustafizur’s services early.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Google have announced a landmark partnership for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, aiming to deliver the first-ever “AI-powered” edition of the tournament. Under the collaboration, Google Gemini has been named the “Official AI Fan Companion,” while Google Pixel will serve as the “Official Smartphone” of the event. The initiative seeks to merge live sporting action with advanced generative AI to deepen fan engagement globally. The partnership kicks off with the “Craziest Fan Kaun” contest, an interactive campaign inviting fans to use Gemini’s image generation capabilities—powered by the Nano Banana model—to design unique “Crazy Fan” avatars. Winners will be awarded an exclusive match-day experience, attending a World Cup game in person while wearing their custom AI-designed looks. Yousuf questions ICC governance: ‘Cricket must be ruled by principles, not influence’ “This partnership brings together two global organisations united by consumer focus, scale, purpose and innovation,” said ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta. “Together, we will use technology to deepen engagement, enhance experiences and make cricket more accessible and meaningful for fans worldwide.” To further integrate AI into the fan journey, the Gemini app will feature a dedicated “Explore Cricket” tab. This hub will offer weekly refreshed content, including AI-generated explanations of complex rules like the DLS system, quizzes, and interactive challenges such as “Design a new cricket format.” Additionally, fans can access “Insight Cards by Gemini,” which synthesize web data to create shareable digital snapshots of player milestones and trivia. On the hardware front, Google Pixel devices will be used to capture exclusive, high-quality content from inside the stadiums. Leveraging Pixel’s 48MP 5x telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities, the partnership promises to offer fans never-before-seen perspectives of the on-field action across social media platforms. Shekar Khosla, VP Marketing at Google India, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “We are bringing together Gemini’s generative capabilities and Pixel’s advanced imaging to deliver features that empower fans with new avenues for creativity and celebration,” he said.  

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that their national cricket team will not take the field against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating the decision was made to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh. Addressing cabinet members in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif declared that “politics should not exist on the sports field.” This is the first time the government has publicly articulated the specific reason behind the boycott, which was announced via social media last week. “We have taken a very clear position on the T20 World Cup—we will not play the match against India,” Sharif told his cabinet. “We took this decision after much thought. We should fully stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision.” T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland The diplomatic sporting row stems from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. The Bangladesh government had refused to send their team to India citing security concerns, following threats from communal groups that led to pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL on January 3. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change to Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected the plea, labeling the threat against Mustafizur as “isolated.” Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul later said that neither the ICC nor the Indian government provided necessary security assurances. ICC warns PCB of legal and financial fallout over India match boycott Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has supported Bangladesh throughout the process, criticizing the ICC for “double standards” regarding security protocols. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. The India-Pakistan clash was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The ICC has previously warned the PCB to “reconsider” the boycott, citing potential long-term implications for Pakistan cricket.          

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it could face legal action from the T20 World Cup’s official broadcasters, JioStar, over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its February 15 match against India, a PCB source said on Tuesday. Pakistan decided not to play the high-profile match in Colombo following instructions from its government, but the PCB has yet to formally convey the reasons for the boycott to the ICC. According to a PTI report, the ICC is considering withholding Pakistan’s entire annual revenue share, estimated at around USD 35 million, and using that amount to compensate the broadcasters. A PCB source said chairman Mohsin Naqvi had consulted the board’s legal team before briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matter last week, but the board is now preparing for serious repercussions. “If Pakistan does not back down and play against India, they could face heavy financial penalties, a possible lawsuit from broadcasters, and even an appeal to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is unlikely to succeed,” the source told PTI. Prove you are fair: Pakistan legend Afridi tells ICC supporting Pakistan’s boycott The ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee is an internal body that does not entertain appeals against decisions taken by the ICC Board itself. Another PCB source pointed out that Pakistan’s position could be further weakened because the team is already playing all its matches at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka, a condition it had sought instead of playing in India. The source also noted that while the Indian government has not allowed its team to tour Pakistan, it has not prevented India from playing Pakistan at neutral venues in Asia Cup or ICC tournaments, even after the conflict in May. The PCB has not yet sent a written communication to the ICC, though the boycott is reportedly being viewed as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh following their ouster. India to show up at stadium as Pakistan confirms boycott of Feb 15 clash “When the ICC signed a four-year broadcasting deal for its events, India-Pakistan matches were a key component of that contract, and payments were made accordingly,” the source said. “As a result, the broadcaster would be well within its rights to take both the PCB and the ICC to court over what it sees as a major breach of contract.” #With inputs from NDTV

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has launched an attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stand firm on its decision to boycott the high-profile group match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Akmal's comments come amid escalating tensions after the Pakistan government instructed the national team to participate in the tournament but refuse to play against arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to begin this Saturday. Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Game Plan’, Akmal questioned the ICC's silence during previous controversies where India refused to travel to Pakistan. “PCB should not back down! Was ICC sleeping when the Asia Cup happened in the hybrid model? Was ICC sleeping when India said it would not play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and only play on a neutral venue?” Akmal asked. He further highlighted what he perceives as a double standard, pointing out that Pakistan has traveled to India multiple times despite political tensions. Akmal also referenced an incident during last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE, alleging that Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and declined to accept the trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi. “Things had gotten to such extreme levels... They had disrespected us!” Akmal added. The Pakistan team has already departed for Sri Lanka to begin their campaign, with their opener scheduled against the Netherlands. Due to the ongoing standoff, Pakistan will play all their matches, including potential knockout fixtures, in Sri Lanka. In response to the boycott announcement, the ICC released a statement warning of “significant and long-term implications” for Pakistan cricket. The governing body termed the “selective participation” difficult to reconcile with the principles of a global sporting event and urged the PCB to find a “mutually acceptable resolution”.

Bangladesh’s flawless campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier has paid rich dividends in the latest ICC player rankings, with batter Sobhana Mostary making the most significant stride. Mostary, who was instrumental in Bangladesh's seven-match winning streak, has jumped 16 places to secure the 36th spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings. She finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 262 runs across seven innings. SAFF U-19 Women: Bangladesh stun India 2-0 to top table Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also saw an improvement in her standing. With 154 runs in the tournament, the skipper moved up three places to break into the top 20, now sitting at 19th. Opener Dilara Akter climbed five spots to reach the 65th position. The bowlers were not left behind. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who claimed 8 wickets during the qualifiers, surged eight places to reach the 28th position in the bowling rankings. Beyond Bangladesh, players from other qualifying nations also made gains. Ireland’s Arlene Kelly moved up seven spots to 36th, while Orla Prendergast jumped 10 places to 45th in the batting charts. Scotland’s 20-year-old sensation Katherine Fraser also impressed. With an all-round performance of 184 runs and 8 wickets, Fraser moved up seven spots to 37th in the bowling rankings and climbed three spots to sit jointly at 22nd in the all-rounder rankings.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his full support for the government’s decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the upcoming T20 World Cup, while issuing a stern challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove its impartiality. The Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday via social media that while the Men in Green will participate in the 2026 tournament, they will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15. Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy. “I have always believed that cricket opens doors that politics closes. It is sad that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup, but I stand by my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote. He then turned his attention to the global governing body, which has faced criticism for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland following a dispute over security and venue changes in India. Ind vs Pak: ICC to hold emergency meeting within 48 hours, PCB faces possible suspension: Reports “It is now time for the ICC to show their leadership,” Afridi added. “Not just through statements, but through decisions to prove that they are impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” The diplomatic row was triggered after the ICC refused Bangladesh's request to move their matches out of India due to security concerns—concerns heightened after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped by IPL franchise KKR allegedly due to political pressure. Pakistan’s partial boycott is seen as a move of solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC has previously warned that “selective participation” undermines the spirit of the World Cup and urged the PCB to find a constructive resolution. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia.  

Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Madan Lal have strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, warning that the move will ultimately cause more harm to Pakistan cricket than to the tournament organisers. The reaction comes a day after the Pakistan government confirmed the team would participate in the World Cup but would refuse to take the field against India on February 15 in solidarity with Bangladesh. Speaking to a news agency, 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal termed the decision self-destructive. “I think the Pakistan government and the PCB are harming their own cricket,” Lal said. “They want to support Bangladesh, which is their prerogative, but in the end, the loss will be borne by both Bangladesh and Pakistan.” Lal dismissed the notion that the boycott would financially cripple the tournament, arguing that the global cricketing economy would simply shift focus. “Big powers like New Zealand, England, South Africa, and Australia remain. Viewers and sponsorships will eventually move towards them,” he added. Meanwhile, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take strict disciplinary action. Speaking to the media, Gavaskar said that a last-minute withdrawal sets a dangerous precedent. Read More: India to show up at stadium as Pakistan confirms boycott of Feb 15 clash “If they had withdrawn earlier, it would have been different. But taking such a decision right before the tournament warrants ICC intervention,” Gavaskar said. “I don’t know what steps the ICC will take, but something must be done to ensure no team thinks of doing this in the future.” He further suggested that the ICC might consider legal action against the PCB for breach of commitment. However, Gavaskar also hinted that a “U-turn” might still be on the cards. Citing the history of Pakistani players reversing retirement decisions. “When global reactions start pouring in, their stance might change. Pakistani fans might question their government. It wouldn't be surprising if they change their mind before February 15.” The diplomatic standoff began after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament following Dhaka's refusal to play in India due to security concerns.  

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian team will strictly adhere to all International Cricket Council (ICC) protocols for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash on February 15, despite the Pakistan government’s official confirmation that their team will boycott the fixture. According to BCCI sources, India intends to treat the schedule as unchanged. Media reports suggest that India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, and also reach the stadium on time and wait for the match referee to call off the match. This procedural adherence ensures that India will likely be awarded the match points via forfeiture if Pakistan fails to take the field. The standoff intensified on Sunday when the Pakistan government announced via social media that while the national team is cleared to participate in the 2026 tournament, they are forbidden from playing against arch-rivals India. This decision follows high-level meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has publicly criticized the ICC for alleged “double standard” and BCCI influence. The diplomatic crisis stems from the ICC's earlier controversial decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the BCB refused to tour India—a move triggered by tensions involving Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman and the IPL. The ICC has issued a strong rebuke regarding Pakistan's stance, labeling it "selective participation" that threatens the integrity of the event. Ind vs Pak: ICC to hold emergency meeting within 48 hours, PCB faces possible suspension: Reports “ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity... selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the global body stated. Urging the PCB to reconsider, the ICC warned of “significant and long-term implications” for Pakistani cricket and called for a “mutually acceptable resolution” to protect the global cricket ecosystem.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to convene a high-level emergency board meeting within the next 48 hours to address rising tensions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources told NDTV. Sources indicated to NDTV Profit that the PCB may face severe sanctions, potentially including suspension from the ongoing T20 World Cup. The meeting was prompted by Pakistan’s decision to boycott its upcoming T20 World Cup Group A match against India on February 15, a move that has alarmed global cricket administrators and raised the prospect of unprecedented disciplinary action. Pakistan on Sunday confirmed it would not participate in its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group league match against India, a decision that could have serious consequences even though the government approved the team’s participation in the remainder of the tournament starting February 7. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government said in a social media post. The boycott is linked to a political protest following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. The ICC has questioned the Pakistani government’s decision and warned that the boycott could result in punitive measures. The PCB had earlier said it would reassess its participation, showing solidarity with Bangladesh. Possible repercussions The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, attracting massive global viewership, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue. The host broadcaster could face losses between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore, as a 10-second commercial slot for the marquee game can cost up to Rs 40 lakh. While a walkover would grant full points to India, the ICC can impose financial penalties on the PCB. For a walkover to be declared, the opposition team must appear on the field for the coin toss. The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka, and Suryakumar Yadav will step out for the toss. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will award a walkover and two points to India. Additional sanctions could include docking of World Test Championship points, restrictions on ICC ranking movement, top member nations refusing to tour Pakistan, and limitations on PCB players’ participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).