United News of Bangladesh

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be made by early next week. The confirmation came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi, who also serves as the country's Interior Minister, described his discussion with the Prime Minister as “productive.” According to the PCB chief, PM Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the board to resolve the ongoing standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) while keeping “all options on the table”—a directive that suggests a full boycott remains a distinct possibility. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Taking to a social media, Naqvi said, “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” The uncertainty over the 2009 champions' participation stems from the deepening crisis surrounding the tournament, scheduled to begin in February. Tensions escalated last week when the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. Global players’ body backs Bangladesh, but ignores core safety concerns Bangladesh raised The BCB’s refusal was triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman on security grounds—a move Dhaka viewed as an admission of a hostile environment. With reports circulating that Pakistan may boycott the event or refuse to play India in solidarity with Bangladesh, the upcoming decision by the PCB will be critical for the future of the tournament.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed deep concern over Bangladesh's exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup, describing the absence of a major cricketing nation from the global showpiece as a “sad moment” for the sport. In a statement issued on Sunday, WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat threw his weight behind the Bangladeshi players, warning that the incident highlights serious fractures in the governance of global cricket. “The withdrawal of Bangladesh... is a sad moment for our game, for the players of Bangladesh, and their fans. It requires deep reflection,” Moffat said. However, the statement was conspicuously vague regarding the root cause of the crisis. Surprisingly, the text missed the specific context of Bangladesh's request for safe venues amidst growing concerns regarding the safety of Bangladeshi nationals on Indian soil. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh While the WCA advocated for “fair conditions,” it stopped short of addressing the environment in India that led the BCB to withdraw. Instead, the WCA focused on broader systemic issues. The body noted “worrying trends” in the sport, including contract violations, eroding rights, and a lack of meaningful dialogue with players. “These issues suggest a disregard for people that should not exist in cricket,” the statement read, warning that if these governance flaws remain unaddressed, the unity and future health of the game are at risk. The WCA concluded by pledging its continued support to the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and urged cricket’s leaders to prioritize collective interests over division.

The crisis surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup has escalated further, with reports emerging that Pakistan is seriously considering boycotting its blockbuster group-stage match against arch-rivals India. The move is being weighed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a major protest against the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. According to sources, the PCB is reviewing various options to register its dissent, including refusing to take the field for the high-stakes encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Insiders suggest the board calculates that forfeiting the match—and the associated two points—would be a manageable sporting loss compared to the massive financial and reputational blow a boycott of the tournament's most lucrative fixture would deal to the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is scheduled to meet the national squad today, slammed the global body for its handling of the situation. He accused the ICC of “double standards” for stripping Bangladesh of its spot while accommodating India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for other events. “You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country,” Naqvi said. Naqvi also took a veiled dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying, “One country cannot dictate another. And if this dictation is attempted, then Pakistan definitely has its own stance.” The final decision, however, rests with the federal government of Pakistan. Naqvi confirmed that the board will announce its official stance once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.  Pakistan is currently scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.  

In a dramatic development coinciding with Bangladesh's official exclusion from the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that former captain Shakib Al Hasan is once again eligible for national selection. The decision came following an eight-hour board meeting on Saturday late at night. BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hossain confirmed that the board has cleared the way for the veteran all-rounder to return to international cricket, provided he meets fitness and availability criteria. “If Shakib is available, fit, and can physically access the match venues, the board and the selection panel will definitely consider him,” Amjad told reporters. But, significant hurdles remain regarding his return to Bangladesh. Shakib, a former Member of Parliament for the ousted Awami League government, has not returned to the country since the regime fell in August 2024. Shakib contested the 2024 election under the Sheikh Hasina government, which was marred by allegations of irregularities and boycott of oppositions. He was last seen in national colors during the Kanpur Test against India, and was forced to miss his planned farewell Test in Mirpur due to public protests and security threats. When pressed on how Shakib could return given the multiple legal cases filed against him, the board distanced itself from the legalities. “Whether he is a criminal or needs to be judged is a government issue, not the BCB's,” Amjad stated. Another board director, Asif Akbar, added, “Whether he is a fallen fascist or a former MP is not our concern. We want the player Shakib.” The board has reportedly tasked its president with discussing the matter with the government to ensure Shakib's safe passage.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) plea to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to an alternative venue, a senior BCB official told UNB. It has opened the door for Scotland to play in the World Cup, according to the reports. The decision follows the Bangladesh government's refusal to send the national team to India, citing “genuine and severe” security risks that the global body failed to address. Despite BCB’s last-ditch appeal to the ICC’s Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, the global body proceeded with the replacement, adhering to its ultimatum regarding the tournament schedule. Scotland, as the highest-ranked qualifier, will now take Bangladesh’s spot in the group stage. The withdrawal is rooted in what Dhaka describes as a hostile climate in India. The Bangladesh government pointed to the forced removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by the BCCI earlier this month due to security threats as undeniable proof that player safety could not be guaranteed. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had vehemently argued that reports of mob lynchings of suspected Bangladeshis in West Bengal and threats from political groups like Shiv Sena made the tour impossible. Travel to India for T20 World Cup or be replaced: ICC warns Bangladesh “We cannot bow our heads and push our players into a genuine risk,” the Sports Adviser had said recently, emphasizing that national dignity and life took precedence over sport. While critics, including former official Syed Ashraful Haque, argued the decision should have been left to the players, the government maintained that state security is a sovereign responsibility. For Bangladesh, this boycott invites potential heavy sanctions and financial losses, but it stands as a message that the safety of its citizens remains non-negotiable.

The uncertainty about Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India amid security concerns continues as Pakistan may also join Bangladesh in protest. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has thrown his full weight behind current chairman Mohsin Naqvi amid growing speculation that Pakistan may join Bangladesh in boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. Speaking on Friday, Sethi endorsed the potential hardline stance, asserting that it is time for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to realize its global mandate goes beyond a single nation. The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, faces a deepening crisis after the ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift their matches out of India due to security concerns. The standoff began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed an IPL franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, prompting Dhaka to cite a hostile environment. Despite a 24-hour ultimatum from the ICC to comply with the schedule, the BCB has stood firm and referred the matter to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee. Read More: Captain Mahedi leads Chattogram Royals to BPL final Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Pakistan, the 2009 champions, might withdraw from the tournament if Bangladesh pulls out. Sethi expressed confidence in Naqvi’s handling of the delicate situation. “Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good understanding of all aspects. Whatever decision Mohsin Naqvi makes will be right,” Sethi said. Sethi welcomed the resistance from Dhaka, viewing it as a necessary check on India's dominance in world cricket. He argued that a united front is essential for the health of the game. “If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realise that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council,” Sethi said, signaling that a collective boycott could be the catalyst for a major shift in cricket's power dynamics.

The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) concluded on Friday night with  Rajshahi Warriors lifting the trophy in their debut season, securing a massive financial gain along with the silverware. Following their dominant 63-run victory over the Chattogram Royals in the final, the champions were awarded a prize money of BDT 2.75 crore. The runners-up, Chattogram Royals, who overcame preseason ownership turmoil to reach the final, walked away with BDT 1.75 crore. On the individual front, pacer Shoriful Islam was the biggest winner of the night. The Chattogram Royals speedster enjoyed a historic campaign, breaking Taskin Ahmed’s record for the most wickets in a single season with 26 scalps in 12 matches. His stellar economy rate of 5.84 and consistent breakthroughs earned him the Player of the Tournament award—making him the first pacer in BPL history to win this accolade. Shoriful received BDT 10 lakh for being the tournament's best player and an additional BDT 5 lakh for finishing as the highest wicket-taker, bringing his total earnings to BDT 15 lakh. The hero of the final, Tanzid Hasan, was rewarded BDT 5 lakh for his match-winning performance. The Rajshahi opener slammed a century in the title decider, becoming only the third Bangladeshi to do so in a BPL final, joining the elite company of Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal. Meanwhile, Sylhet Titans’ Parvez Hossain Emon took home BDT 5 lakh as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Despite his team missing the final, Parvez amassed 395 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 132.99. Among the other awardees, Rajshahi’s young pacer Ripon Mondol was named the Emerging Player of the Tournament. With 17 wickets in just 8 matches, including a hat-trick and a Super Over victory, Ripon was awarded BDT 3 lakh. Rangpur Riders’ Litton Das, who played solely as a fielder this season after giving up the gloves, was named the Best Fielder for his 10 catches in 11 matches, earning a prize of BDT 3 lakh.

The Rajshahi Warriors have been crowned champions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), securing a dominant 63-run victory over Chattogram Royals in Friday's final. Powered by a historic century from Tanzid Hasan and a lethal bowling spell from Binura Fernando, Rajshahi defended their total of 174 with ease, bowling out Chattogram for just 111 in 17.5 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Chasing a daunting target of 175, the Royals’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the final. Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming astonishing figures of 4 for 9 to rip through the opposition. He was ably supported by spinner Hasan Murad, who snapped up 3 for 15 to dismantle the middle order. Mirza Baig offered the only significant resistance with a knock of 39, while Asif Ali was the only other batter to cross the 20-run mark. The lean batting display meant Chattogram never truly threatened the target, handing Rajshahi a comfortable path to the title. Earlier, the foundation for the victory was laid by opener Tanzid Hasan, whose decisive 100 off 62 balls marked only the third century in BPL final history. After being asked to bat by Chattogram captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzid anchored the innings with a blend of caution and aggression. He shared an 83-run opening stand with Sahibzada Farhan (30) and a 47-run partnership with Kane Williamson (24). Despite surviving a scare on 54, Tanzid punished the bowlers with 7 sixes and 6 fours, eventually perishing in the 19th over. His heroics, combined with the subsequent bowling masterclass, ensured the trophy went to Rajshahi in front of a packed house.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the intervention of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, refusing to back down from its demand to shift their T20 World Cup matches out of India. Despite the ICC's recent ruling that the tournament schedule remains non-negotiable, the Bangladesh government and board remain steadfast in their decision to boycott the Indian leg of the tournament due to unresolved security concerns. Following a meeting with the World Cup squad at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul declared that there is “no chance” of the government altering its stance. He confirmed that unless the ICC relocates the fixtures to co-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will not participate in the global event scheduled to begin on February 7. In a fresh email sent to the global body, the BCB reiterated its position and called for the dispute to be adjudicated by the ICC’s independent panel of lawyers, hoping for a neutral verdict on the safety risks involved. During the meeting with the Sports Adviser, the players were briefed on the geopolitical realities and security threats that necessitated this hardline approach. The squad reportedly expressed no dissent, stating that while their primary role is to play cricket, they respect the decision of the government and the board as their guardians and will support the boycott if necessary. The crisis was precipitated by the BCCI's decision on January 3 to remove pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following threats from extremist groups, an incident the Bangladesh government cites as clear evidence that the environment in India is hostile. Farooki questions ICC’s neutrality, cites mob lynching as proof of ‘severe risk’ in India BCB President Aminul Islam maintained that the team is physically and mentally prepared to play but will only do so if the matches are moved to Sri Lanka. While the ICC has not officially responded to the request for independent arbitration and the BCCI remains silent, a BCB official confirmed that the board will continue to press its demand until the very end.  

A century from opener Tanzid Hasan has powered the Rajshahi Warriors to a big 174 for 4 in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final, setting a daunting 175-run target for the Chattogram Royals. Tanzid’s 100 off 62 balls was the centerpiece of the innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, marking only the third century in BPL final history. Asked to bat first by Chattogram captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rajshahi started cautiously but accelerated beautifully, thanks to an 83-run opening stand between Tanzid and Sahibzada Farhan (30). Tanzid, who survived a catch on 54 off Amer Jamal’s bowling, made the Royals pay dearly. He smashed 7 sixes and 6 fours, reaching his hundred with a single in the 19th over before perishing to a catch in the deep later that same over. His knock places him in elite company alongside Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal as the only players to score a ton in a BPL final. Kane Williamson played a handy cameo of 24 off 15 balls, adding 47 runs with Tanzid for the second wicket, while Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto chipped in with 11 off 7 balls at the death. BPL Qualifier: Rajshahi defend 165 to knock out Sylhet, will face Chattogram in final Chattogram’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Mukidul Islam and Shoriful Islam managed to pick up two wickets apiece. Amer Jamal had a forgettable outing, conceding 43 runs in his 4 overs, including 17 in a costly 17th over. The stadium was packed long before the toss, setting an electric atmosphere for the title decider.