United News of Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council postponed its upcoming board meeting in Doha, Qatar, citing the escalating military conflict and instability in the Middle East. The meetings, originally scheduled for March 25 to 27, will tentatively be moved to April. The governing body stated it has not yet finalized a new date or location. The ICC selected Doha as the host city on February 22, a move intended to build relations with Qatar and utilize its expanding sports infrastructure. Following the postponement of the Doha summit, several top ICC executives and board members gathered in Ahmedabad, India, for Sunday's T20 World Cup final. The championship match took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the home venue of ICC Chairman Jay Shah. Officials present for the final included New Zealand Cricket Chairman Roger Twose, Zimbabwe Cricket's Tavengwa Mukuhlani, and South Africa's Dr. Mohammed Moosajee. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam did not attend the gathering, as he is currently in Melbourne with his family. Media reports stated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also unlikely to attend the match.

Women across the world will call for equal pay, reproductive rights, education, justice and decision-making jobs and celebrate progress toward female empowerment during events and demonstrations marking International Women’s Day on Sunday. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world. Protests are often political — and at times violent — rooted in women’s efforts to improve their rights as workers. 2026 will mark the 115th year of International Women's Day. This years' theme is “Give to Gain,” with a focus on fundraising for organizations focused on women's issues and less tangible forms of giving such as teaching peers, celebrating women and “challenging discrimination.” Women worldwide hold 64% of the legal rights that men have, according to United Nations data. Women's rights activists on Sunday rallied in Karachi, Pakistan and shouted slogans during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. In China and Russia, vendors sold flowers wrapped in pink and local workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, lifted fists and umbrellas as they celebrated. What is International Women’s Day? International Women’s Day is a global celebration — and a call to action — marked by demonstrations, mostly of women, around the world, ranging from combative protests to charity runs. Some celebrate the economic, social and political achievements of women, while others urge governments to guarantee equal pay, access to health care, justice for victims of gender-based violence and education for girls. It is an official holiday in more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ukraine, Russia and Cuba, the only one in the Americas. In the United States, March is celebrated as Women’s History Month. As in other aspects of life, social media plays an important role during International Women’s Day, particularly by amplifying attention to demonstrations held in countries with repressive governments toward women and dissent in general. When did it start and why does it fall on March 8? While the idea behind a women’s day originated in the U.S. with the American Socialist Party in 1909, it was a German feminist who pushed for a global commemoration during an international conference of socialist women held in 1910 in Copenhagen. The following year, events across Europe marked the day, and during World War I, women used it to protest the armed conflict, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 after a massive protest in Russia on Feb. 23, 1917, that led to the country’s eventual withdrawal from the war. At the time, Russia had not adopted the Gregorian calendar and still used the Julian calendar. The U.N. began commemorating the holiday in 1975, which was International Women’s Year, and its General Assembly officially recognized the day two years later. How is it observed across the world? Roughly 20,000 people attended a march for International Women’s Day in Berlin. German news agency dpa reported Sunday that the crowd was double the amount police had expected. Speakers at the event decried violence against women in Germany, as well as gender discrimination. In Brazil, Sunday’s marches for International Women’s Day served as a rallying cry against gender-based violence, fueled by the latest case to outrage the country involving the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Copacabana. The case in Rio de Janeiro’s famed, beachside neighborhood took place in January, but gained national traction this week when four suspects handed themselves over to authorities. At least 15 protests were planned across the country, with organizers calling for the defense of women’s lives and an end to femicide. Globally, a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a family member or partner, according to U.N. figures, and the number of women being exposed to conflict has significantly jumped over the past decade. What does the future hold for March 8? Some say commemorating International Women’s Day is now more important than ever, as women have lost gains made in the last century, among them the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a nationwide right to abortion, which ended constitutional protections that had been in place nearly 50 years. The U.S. decision on abortion has reverberated across Europe’s political landscape, forcing the issue back into public debate in some countries at a time when far-right nationalist parties are gaining influence.

A coalition of Dhaka-based cricket club organisers, including former national team captain Tamim Iqbal, has formally requested the National Sports Council to investigate the Bangladesh Cricket Board's previous board of directors election, alleging the process lacked transparency. The group submitted a letter to the NSC on Sunday, calling for an independent inquiry committee to examine the election. Iqbal stated that 50 of the 76 clubs in Dhaka support the petition. During the last BCB elections, Iqbal and nine other candidates withdrew their nominations from the club category, citing an opaque selection process for district and divisional councilors. Former BCB director Fahim Sinha said the organizers proposed an independent committee that could include an NSC representative. Explaining the timing of the petition, Mohammedan Sporting Club director Masuduzzaman cited the recent political shifts in the country. "Democracy has returned after 17 to 18 years," Masuduzzaman said. "Now there is a democratic government, and we believe this is the right time to speak up." Labeling the current BCB board "illegal," the dissenting clubs have initiated a boycott of domestic competitions. The protest has severely impacted the lower-tier leagues, with only 12 of 20 clubs participating in the First Division and 12 of 24 in the Second Division. The ongoing dispute has also cast uncertainty over the upcoming men's and women's Dhaka Premier League tournaments.

New Zealand’s Brett Randell created history on Sunday by becoming the first bowler to claim five wickets with five consecutive balls in a first-class match. Randell achieved the feat while playing for Central Districts against Northern Districts in a domestic Plunkett Shield match. His victims included former Black Caps opener Jeet Raval and current New Zealand seamer Kristian Clarke. The achievement has previously occurred only once in professional T20 cricket, when former Ireland international Curtis Campher did so in a domestic interprovincial match. Stranded England, South Africa and West Indies cricket teams leave India on ICC chartered flights Randell started the remarkable spell by dismissing opener Henry Cooper with the final ball of his second over at McLean Park in Napier, a venue traditionally known for being batting-friendly. He then bowled Raval with the first delivery of his third over. Randell completed his hat-trick when Joe Carter was caught behind off the next ball, and secured a double hat-trick when Robbie O’Donnell was caught in the slips. Clarke became his fifth victim after he was bowled off an inside edge onto his leg stump. At that stage, Randell had taken five wickets for just two runs, leaving Northern Districts struggling at 9-5 in reply to Central Districts’ first-innings total of 373. Randell eventually finished with figures of 7-25 as Northern Districts were bowled out for 82. The 30-year-old’s previous best bowling figures in a first-class innings were 6-45.

England, South Africa and West Indies cricket teams are departing India on special chartered flights arranged by the International Cricket Council after being stranded by commercial aviation suspensions tied to the Middle East military conflict. England, eliminated by India in Thursday's semi-final, is scheduled to depart Mumbai for London on Saturday evening, according to ESPNcricinfo. The South African and West Indies squads, who have been grounded in Kolkata following their respective tournament exits, will share a separate chartered flight leaving India on Sunday. India beat England in run-fest thriller to reach T20 World Cup final The Sunday flight will transport the teams to Johannesburg, where the West Indies squad will then connect to a flight bound for Antigua. A contingent of the South African setup, including players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, will separate from the main group and travel to New Zealand for a T20 series starting March 15. The flight disruptions have forced multiple teams to remain in India days after their tournament campaigns ended. South Africa was knocked out in a March 4 semi-final against New Zealand, while the West Indies exited the Super Eight stage after a March 1 loss to India. West Indies head coach Darren Sammy highlighted the delay on the social media platform X, posting "Day Six" on Saturday to mark the ongoing wait. The Zimbabwe national team experienced similar logistical delays. Following their final match on March 1, a portion of the squad was only able to secure a flight out of the country on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday released the ticket price list for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with prices starting at 200BDT. Tickets will be available exclusively through the board's official website -www.gobcbticket.com- The lowest price point is set at 200 BDT for the Eastern Gallery, while the highest price is 2,000 BDT for the Grand Stand. Other seating options include the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stand and Northern Gallery at 400 BDT. The Shaheed Mushtaq and Shaheed Jewel stands, located in the South and North Club Houses respectively, are priced at 600 BDT. Pakistan ended boycott because Bangladesh’s demands were met: PCB chief Tickets for the International Gallery North and South are available for 1,000 BDT, while the International Lounge South is set at 1,200 BDT. The series is scheduled to begin on March 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The remaining two matches will follow on March 13 and 15 at the same venue. All matches are slated to commence at 2:15 p.m. local time.

India national cricket team edged past England national cricket team by seven runs in a high-scoring semifinal to secure a place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium. India posted a formidable 253 for 7, the fourth-highest total in the tournament’s history, before restricting England to 246 for 7 in a thrilling contest that produced 499 runs and a record 34 sixes in a T20 World Cup match. The co-hosts will now defend their 2024 title against New Zealand national cricket team in the final scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad. Sanju Samson led India’s charge with a blazing 89 off 42 balls after being dropped early on 15. The wicketkeeper-batter struck powerful shots throughout his innings to anchor India’s big total. England pacer Jofra Archer conceded 61 runs for one wicket, the most expensive bowling figures by an England player in a men’s T20 World Cup.   Bethell’s century in vain England mounted a strong reply led by Jacob Bethell, who smashed his maiden T20 international century with 105 off 48 balls, including seven sixes. However, Bethell was run out on the first ball of the final over while attempting a risky second run, with England needing 30 runs from six balls. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a disciplined spell of 1 for 33 in four overs, while all-rounder Axar Patel impressed in the field with two spectacular catches and another key effort. India’s powerful batting display After being sent in to bat, India lost Abhishek Sharma early for nine, caught off Will Jacks. Samson then combined with Ishan Kishan, who scored 39, to put together a 97-run partnership from 45 balls. India reached 100 in the ninth over before Kishan was dismissed soon after. Promoted up the order, Shivam Dube added 43 off 25 balls with four sixes in another aggressive stand with Samson. Samson eventually fell in the 14th over after attempting a big shot, with India already well past 150. Late contributions from Hardik Pandya (27) and Tilak Varma (21) further boosted the total on a batting-friendly pitch. England fall short despite strong chase England’s chase started poorly when Axar Patel produced a superb running catch to dismiss Phil Salt for five. Bumrah then removed Harry Brook cheaply, while captain Jos Buttler struggled for rhythm, scoring 25 from 17 balls. Tom Banton hit two sixes but was bowled by Axar as England slipped to 95 for 4. Bethell and Jacks briefly revived the chase with a 77-run stand, but India maintained pressure in the closing overs. Pandya and Dube bowled the final overs effectively, sealing India’s victory and sending them into a record fourth T20 World Cup final. Samson was named player of the match for his match-defining innings.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan Test team, Pakistani media reported on Wednesday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to make an official announcement in the coming days. Sarfaraz is anticipated to begin his coaching tenure during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh, scheduled to start in May. Babar dropped as Pakistan names youthful squad for Bangladesh tour The head coach position has been vacant since the conclusion of Azhar Mahmood’s interim stint. Mahmood, who was originally contracted until March 2026, stepped down by mutual agreement following a 1-1 home series draw against South Africa. With no Test matches scheduled for the remainder of the year, the PCB and Mahmood opted to end the arrangement early. Sarfaraz, 38, brings extensive international experience to the role. A veteran wicketkeeper-batter, he has played 54 Test matches for Pakistan, scoring 3,031 runs at an average of 37.41, including four centuries. His leadership credentials include captaining Pakistan across all three formats, most notably leading the side to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy title. The appointment comes as Pakistan prepares for the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The tour of Bangladesh will feature two Test matches, with the first starting on May 8 and the second on May 16.

Pakistan has announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, headlined by the shocking exclusion of former captain and star batter Babar Azam. The squad, led by pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, signals a massive shift in direction for Pakistan cricket. Babar's omission comes as a major surprise given he scored a century in his last ODI appearance. However, his recent struggles in the T20 World Cup—where he managed just 91 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 112.34—appear to have cost him his place in the side. In a clear move toward a youth rebuild, the selectors have included six uncapped players. Leading the new faces is Sahibzada Farhan, who finished the T20 World Cup as the tournament's top scorer with 383 runs. He is joined by Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, and Shamil Hussain, most of whom recently impressed for the Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions in Abu Dhabi. The squad is also missing veteran opener Fakhar Zaman, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Pakistan team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on March 8. The three ODIs will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15. Pakistan ODI Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, and Shamil Hussain.

The knockout stage for the T20 World Cup is officially set. Following the conclusion of the Super Eight phase, South Africa, England, India, and New Zealand have emerged as the final four contenders remaining from the 20-team tournament. Defending champions and tournament hosts India secured the last available spot by defeating the West Indies in their final Super Eight match. By finishing as the runners-up in Group 1, India booked a blockbuster second semi-final clash against two-time champions England. The high-profile encounter is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5 at 7:30 PM. The knockout phase will commence a day earlier on March 4 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Group 1 champions South Africa will lock horns with New Zealand in the first semi-final at 7:30 PM. Both teams will be fighting fiercely for a spot in the title clash, as neither nation has previously won the T20 World Cup. The winners of the two semi-finals will meet in the grand finale to crown the world champions. The championship match is set to be held in Ahmedabad on March 8 at 7:30 PM.