United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan has announced that although its national team will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it will boycott the high-profile group-stage match against India, a decision expected to stir strong reactions in the cricketing world. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement in the tournament but deals a massive blow to the event's most anticipated fixture. The high-stakes match was scheduled for February 15. The decision was communicated via the Pakistan government's official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “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 statement read. This unprecedented move effectively means Pakistan will likely forfeit points for the match, but the decision appears to be a political stance rather than a cricketing one. Litton, Shanto, Akbar to lead teams in special 3-team T20 event starting Feb 5 It comes amidst heightened regional tensions and follows the recent controversy involving Bangladesh, who were replaced in the tournament by Scotland after refusing to play in India. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) had reportedly moved Pakistan's games to Sri Lanka to ensure their participation, the government's refusal to play India—even at a neutral venue—marks a historic low in bilateral sporting ties.

India’s deteriorating diplomatic ties with Bangladesh and the latter's subsequent exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup could severely jeopardize New Delhi's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, according to a report by The Guardian. The British newspaper suggests that while the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been accommodating of India's political stances, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) maintains a much stricter “zero tolerance’ policy regarding political interference in sports. The controversy centers on the recent exclusion of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following a dispute that began with pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, tensions escalated to the point where the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change due to security concerns.  The ICC rejected the request, and Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India led to their replacement by Scotland. The Guardian report notes that the ICC, currently chaired by Jay Shah—son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah—has historically bent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The report highlights how the ICC accommodated India by moving their Champions Trophy matches against Pakistan to neutral venues. Bangladesh women complete perfect qualifier campaign with 7-wicket win However, the IOC operates differently. An IOC source told the publication that awarding the Games to a host nation where there is a risk of boycotts by other countries is “unimaginable.” The report cited the recent example of Indonesia, which was effectively removed from the Olympic hosting race after refusing visas to the Israeli gymnastics team. With Ahmedabad vying against Qatar for the 2036 Games, the report concludes that India must provide strong evidence of normalized sporting relations with neighbors like Pakistan and Bangladesh to be considered a viable host.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team maintained a flawless record in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing their seventh consecutive victory by defeating the Netherlands by 7 wickets in their final match at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Sunday. Having already booked their ticket to the main event in England, the Tigresses capped off a dominant campaign with a seven out of seven win streak. Chasing a modest target of 103, Bangladesh faced an early scare as both openers, Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, were dismissed with just 6 runs on the board. However, Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings, first steadying the ship with a 42-run stand with Sharmin Akhter (13). Read More: Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” After Sharmin’s dismissal, Nigar combined with in-form batter Sobhana Mostary to seal the game with an unbeaten 57-run partnership off just 37 balls. Nigar remained not out on 50 off 44 deliveries, striking seven boundaries to register her 10th T20I half-century. Sobhana provided aggressive support, finishing unbeaten on 33 off 23 balls with five fours and a six, as Bangladesh reached 105 for 3 with 20 balls to spare. Earlier, opting to bat, the Netherlands crumbled under the pressure of the Bangladeshi spin attack. Nahida Akter wreaked havoc, claiming 3 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs, reducing the Dutch side to a precarious 23 for 5. A spirited 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Robine Rijke (39) and Sania Khurana (43*) saved the Netherlands from total humiliation, dragging them to 102 for 6. However, the total proved insufficient against the confident Bangladeshi lineup. Both Bangladesh and the Netherlands, along with Ireland, have qualified for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in England this June. Read More: Marufa’s fiery burst puts her in cricket’s spotlight

Australia’s Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka due to a persistent back injury. The 32 year old test captain played just once in Australia’s 4-1 Ashes series victory over England, with his back causing problems for more than six months. Although Cummins was included in the provisional World Cup squad, Australia have chosen Ben Dwarshuis for the final team. Matt Short was also omitted, making way for former Test opener Matthew Renshaw, who made his T20 debut earlier this week. “With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who provides a left-arm pace option along with dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace, combined with clever variations, will suit the expected conditions and the overall squad structure.” Read More: South Africa beat West Indies in T20 series opener Australia, captained by Mitchell Marsh, are currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of their tournament preparation. Veteran batsman Steve Smith missed out on the World Cup squad despite strong performances in the Big Bash League. Australia will open their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11 February in Colombo. “With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament,” Dodemaide said regarding Renshaw’s selection. “As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference to the middle-order batting.”   With inputs from BBC

With the national team absent from the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a high-stakes domestic T20 tournament titled “Odommo Bangladesh” (Indomitable Bangladesh) to keep the country’s top cricketers in action. Following directives from the government to ensure player engagement during the World Cup window, the BCB unveiled details of the three-team competition on Saturday. The tournament, boasting a total prize pool and match fees amounting to BDT 2.5 crore, is scheduled to begin on February 5 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The three participating teams—Dhumketu XI, Durbar XI, and Duronto XI—will be led by prominent national stars. T20 Captain Litton Das will captain Dhumketu XI, while Test Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto takes charge of Durbar XI. Young wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali has been named captain of Duronto XI. The tournament will run from February 5 to February 7 with a round-robin format, followed by the final between the top two teams on February 9. To attract crowds, matches will start at 6:00 PM, preceded by a two-hour cultural program each day. Ticket prices range from BDT 100 for general admission to BDT 1,000 for the Grand Stand.//

Pakistan secured a historic T20I series triumph against Australia, defeating the hosts by 90 runs in the second match on Saturday. This came as Pakistan’s first T20 series win against the Aussies in seven years, dating back to the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led victory in the UAE in October 2018. The match ended with a symbolic flourish as Australia’s final batter, Matthew Kuhnemann, edged a delivery from mystery spinner Usman Tariq to first slip. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who had earlier set the tone with the bat, pouched the catch comfortably to wrap up the Australian innings for a paltry 108 in 15.4 overs. Read More: Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Chasing a formidable target of 199, Australia never found their footing. The visitors created history as their spin attack claimed all 10 wickets—a first for Pakistan in international T20s. Leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan were the chief destroyers, claiming three wickets each. Usman Tariq picked up two, while Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub took one apiece. Earlier, opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding 198 for 5. Despite losing Sahibzada Farhan early, Captain Salman Ali Agha led a counter-attack, stitching a rapid 50-run stand off just 21 balls with Saim Ayub (23 off 11). Even after Ayub’s departure, Salman continued the onslaught, blasting 76 off 40 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. After Salman fell in the 13th over, Usman Khan (53 off 36) and Shadab Khan (28 not out off 20) ensured Pakistan finished strong, setting a target that proved too steep for the hosts. Read More: Pakistan formally backs Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India Australia’s chase was derailed early when openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh fell off consecutive deliveries after a 22-run stand. Cameron Green (35) and Matthew Short (27) were the only batters to offer brief resistance before the spin web tightened. With this win, Pakistan has taken an unassailable lead in the series, having won the first match by 22 runs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indefinitely postponed the unveiling ceremony of the national team’s official jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup, intensifying speculation regarding the country’s participation in the tournament. According to sources, the kit launch was scheduled to take place on Saturday evening following the toss of the second T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, the event was called off at the eleventh hour due to what insiders termed “unavoidable circumstances.” The delay comes amidst a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Pakistan's involvement in the marquee event, which is set to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Sources indicate that a final decision on whether the team will travel for the World Cup is expected on Monday, following high-level government consultations. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Under the proposed “hybrid formula,” all of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka to avoid travel to India. Should they qualify for the knockout stages, the semi-finals and final would also be moved to Colombo. T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Despite the administrative deadlock, the cricketing preparations have proceeded. The PCB announced a 15-member squad on January 25, led by new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside debutants for an ICC event such as Faheem Ashraf and Sahibzada Farhan. Pakistan is currently scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

Manny Lumsden starred with the ball as England secured a 65-run victory over New Zealand to advance to the semi-finals of the men’s Under-19 World Cup. The Hampshire seamer produced a brilliant spell on the slow pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, finishing with 5-17 as New Zealand were dismissed for 169 while chasing England’s 235. England will face either Australia or Afghanistan in the semi-finals on 3 or 4 February, depending on India’s final Super Six group match against Pakistan. India currently sit second with six points but have a higher net run-rate (+3.337) than England (+1.757), which will determine the semi-final matchups. “It’s great to win and know we’re through. We’re now looking forward to the semi-finals,” said England captain Thomas Rew. “Manny’s been excellent throughout the tournament. Having a bowler with that kind of firepower is a huge asset.” Read More: Hales removed from England cricket squads, to miss World Cup England posted 234-7 batting first on a tricky surface. Openers Ben Dawkins (42) and Joseph Moores added 48 for the first wicket, while Dawkins later shared another 48-run stand with top scorer Ben Mayes, who made 53 off 70 balls. Caleb Falconer (47) and Farhan Ahmed (29) provided late acceleration, with Snehith Reddy taking 2-28 for New Zealand. Lumsden struck early, removing the dangerous Hugo Bogue and Kiwi captain Tom Jones in the eighth over. Reddy battled with 47 off 65 balls, and Jaskaran Sandhu contributed 26 before falling to Lumsden, who then finished the match by taking the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Rew added, “It was a tough wicket, very inconsistent, but our seamers bowled brilliantly, and 230-240 was always going to be a competitive total.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly refuted social media claims alleging that its President, Aminul Islam Bulbul, is under investigation for corruption, labeling the rumors as “entirely unfounded, false, and fabricated.” To combat the spread of this misinformation, the board filed a General Diary with the Mirpur Police Station on Friday evening against the individuals and platforms responsible for circulating the claims. Earlier on Friday, rumors surfaced on various social media pages suggesting that Alex Marshall, Chair of the BCB’s Integrity Unit, was investigating Bulbul for alleged involvement in match-fixing within the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In a press release issued this evening, the BCB categorically denied these accusations. The statement included a quote from Marshall himself, who dismissed the social media posts as “completely untrue and fabricated allegations.” Shakib Al Hasan available for selection, says BCB “The dissemination of such misinformation is a matter of serious concern for the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” the statement read. “These actions appear to be a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of the BCB President and undermine the integrity of the board and Bangladesh cricket.” The board confirmed that it has initiated legal measures to identify and penalize those behind the “false narrative.”

Quinton de Kock celebrated his 100th T20 international in style, smashing a brilliant century to lead South Africa to a seven wicket win over the West Indies on Thursday and secure the series with a match to spare. De Kock produced a career best 115 off just 49 balls, using a borrowed bat from teammate Dewald Brevis, as South Africa chased down a challenging 222 run target with ease. Fellow left hander Ryan Rickelton supported him with an unbeaten career best 77 off 36 balls, finishing the match with 15 balls remaining. The pair tore into the West Indies bowling, adding rapid runs and maintaining a scoring rate of 12 an over as South Africa reached 225 for 3 in just 18.3 overs. Together they dismantled the chase in 11.5 overs. Bangladesh eye quadruple crown as Rabeya warns rivals ahead of Scotland clash South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised both batters, calling de Kock’s innings special for the crowd and crediting Rickelton for calmly guiding the team home for a second match in a row. Earlier, the West Indies had posted an imposing 221 for 4. Shimron Hetmyer top scored with 75 off 42 balls, striking heavily through the boundary, while opener Brandon King made 49. Sherfane Rutherford added late momentum with an unbeaten 57, sharing a 76 run stand with Romario Shepherd. Spinner Keshav Maharaj stood out for South Africa with figures of 2 for 22, a spell Markram later said prevented the target from rising to 240 or more. De Kock reached his fifty from just 21 balls and brought up his hundred off 43 deliveries, hitting 10 sixes and six fours before falling while attempting another big hit. Rickelton, dropped early on 17, played the supporting role before accelerating to finish the chase in style with nine fours and three sixes. South Africa, who had lost five straight bilateral T20 series before this contest, clinched the series 2-0, giving coach Shukri Conrad his first T20 series victory. The third and final match will be played on Saturday before both teams turn their focus to the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.