United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched an official investigation into a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match between Shinepukur Cricket Club and Gulshan Cricket Club following widespread criticism over two controversial dismissals that have raised suspicions of foul play. The match, held at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday, drew public ire after footage circulated on social media showing Shinepukur’s batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir being stumped in an unusually questionable manner. Gulshan’s off-spinner Naeem Islam bowled a delivery well outside the off-stump as Sabbir advanced down the pitch. Despite having time to ground his bat, Sabbir kept it suspiciously hovering in the air even after the wicketkeeper initially failed to dislodge the bails. The late dismissal ensured Gulshan’s narrow five-run win and their qualification for the Super League round. Gujarat goes top of the IPL with a big win over Rajasthan Another incident earlier in the 36th over added to the controversy. Shinepukur’s Rahim Ahmed appeared to make no real effort to defend or leave a wide-turning delivery, instead returning to the pavilion without attempting to play a shot or return to the crease properly. The BCB, responding swiftly to the public outcry and viral videos, issued a media statement confirming an investigation. “The BCB reiterates its commitment to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the game. Any incident that undermines the spirit of cricket will be dealt with under our zero-tolerance policy,” the board said. The Anti-Corruption Unit and the DPL Technical Committee have already begun reviewing the match for potential violations. “The BCB will take appropriate measures based on the findings of the investigation,” the statement added. Mohammedan, Abahani cruise to commanding wins in DPL Former national cricketers, including Shahriar Nafees and Shamsur Rahman, publicly expressed dismay, noting the dismissals “shameful” and “unacceptable.”  

Batter Sai Sudharsan and bowler Prasidh Krishna led Gujarat Titans to a 58-run victory over Rajasthan Royals as the 2022 champions notched their fourth straight win in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday to go top of the 10-team standings. Left-handed opener Sudharsan smashed 82 off 53 balls -- his third half century of the season -- and spearheaded Gujarat to 217-6 after Rajasthan won the toss and bowled. Right-arm fast bowler Krishna then picked up 3-24 in four overs with his sharp, short deliveries and spinner Rashid Khan took 2-37 as Rajasthan was bowled out for 159 in 19.2 overs. Shimron Hetmyer of the West Indies top-scored in the chase with 52 off 32 balls and captain Sanju Samson made a 28-ball 41, but both fell to Krishna, who impressed with the old and new ball. Gujarat has eight points with four wins in five games. It fell short by 11 runs in the only loss against Punjab Kings in the opening game run-fest at home. Gujarat has a two-point lead over second-placed Delhi Capitals, which has played two fewer games. Delhi has won all three of its games and is the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Rajasthan, which came into the game on the back of successive wins against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab, is seventh after five matches. Rajasthan batters stumble Arshad Khan and Mohammed Siraj took the sting out of Rajasthan’s run-chase inside the first three overs when they dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana cheaply. Jaiswal timed the ball confidently, only to see Rashid not moving an inch at third man for the catch, and Rana’s ramp shot flew to Kulwant Khejroliya, also at third man, as Rajasthan slipped to 12-2. Samson and Riyan Parag (26) revived the chase briefly with Parag smashing three sixes. Parag was convinced he didn’t edge impact player, left-arm fast bowler Khejroliya, after Gujarat went for a successful television review. Rashid, who picked up just one wicket in the last four matches, struck when Dhruv Jorel misread the googly and Sudharsan gobbled a low catch at deep mid-wicket. Partex SC in turmoil as players protest unpaid wages Samson was undone by Krishna’s extra pace and got caught at short third man before Hetmyer made a brisk half century. He was eventually caught at deep backward square in the 16th over off another Krishna short ball to end Rajasthan’s slim hopes. Sudharsan stands tall Sudharsan continued his sublime form. He and Jos Buttler laid the foundation for a big Gujarat score with an 80-run, second-wicket stand. That came after captain Shubman Gill (2) had his off stump clattered by Jofra Archer’s 147 kph (91 mph) delivery before Sudharsan and Buttler took the total to 94. Buttler, who moved to Gujarat after playing seven IPL seasons for Rajasthan, made 36 off 25 balls against his long-time franchise before falling lbw to Maheesh Theekshana (2-54) off a delivery that spun back sharply. Shahrukh Khan hit a quick-fire 36 off 20 before Theekshana had him stumped off a full delivery. Sudharsan kept Gujarat going at more than 10 an over by smashing three sixes and eight fours but missed out on a century. He was caught behind off a thin inside edge against Tushar Deshpande (2-53) in the penultimate over as Rahul Tewatia (24 not out in 12 balls) carried Gujarat over the 200-run mark.

Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Limited continued their dominant run in the Dhaka Premier League on Tuesday, registering convincing victories to strengthen their positions ahead of the Super League stage. Mohammedan, led by a composed 75 not out from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, secured a 74-run win over Agrani Bank Cricket Club at BKSP-3. Returning to the XI after the Eid break, Mushfiqur struck six fours and a six in his 57-ball innings, guiding his side to 287/7 after earlier contributions from Rony Talukdar (46) and Mahidul Islam Ankon (64). Agrani Bank, chasing 288, faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 213 in 47.2 overs. Despite a lone resistance from Amit Hasan, who scored a fighting 105 off 123 balls, the batting lineup collapsed around him. Mohammedan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Ebadot Hossain, both picking up three wickets each, while Taijul Islam and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two apiece. Partex SC in turmoil as players protest unpaid wages The victory was Mohammedan’s fourth in a row and confirmed their place in the Super League with 16 points from 10 matches. Agrani Bank, stuck on 12 points, will need a result in their final group match to advance. Table-toppers Abahani extended their unbeaten streak to nine with a 133-run win over Prime Bank Cricket Club. Powered by opener Parvez Hossain Emon’s 79 off 71 balls — his third consecutive fifty — and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 58, Abahani posted 290/9. Mosaddek Hossain added a useful 37 in the middle order. In reply, Prime Bank never looked in the chase despite a fluent 73 from opener Mohammad Naim. A middle-order collapse saw them bundled out for 157 in 32 overs. Mosaddek returned with the ball to claim 3 for 29, while Naim Ahmed picked up three wickets as well.

Partex Sporting Club finds itself at the centre of a storm in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL), as players protest over unpaid salaries while the team coach has made explosive claims of suspicious on-field behaviour. The unrest became public on Wednesday when several Partex players, including former national batter Sabbir Rahman, visited the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) office to lodge a formal complaint about unpaid wages. This move comes amid rising tensions within the club, with internal divisions deepening over leadership, performance, and management. Sabbir, who began the season as Partex captain, has now withdrawn from the tournament. Although he declined to elaborate when contacted, Coach Anwarul Mostakim confirmed that Sabbir no longer wishes to play. But the most serious development comes from Mostakim himself, who has hinted at possible match-fixing by unnamed players. “The officials asked the team to play positively, even if we were to be bowled out for 100,” he said. “But instead, players have batted extremely negatively—some scoring just 5 runs off 40 balls. It doesn't align with team strategy.” Mostakim said he has been receiving phone calls from concerned individuals alleging that certain players might be involved in fixing. “I’m not experienced in identifying match-fixing, but the way some of them are playing is suspicious,” he told reporters.

Partex Sporting Club’s head coach Anwarul Mostakim has voiced serious concerns over what he describes as “suspicious performances” by some of his players, hinting at possible match-fixing activities within the team. Partex is a club taking part in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, which is the most prestigious domestic cricket league in Bangladesh.  The coach’s comments come amid tensions inside the Partex camp. Team captain Sabbir Rahman is currently at the center of a contractual dispute, while several players have reportedly filed complaints to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over unpaid salaries.Speaking to reporters, Mostakim claimed that several players have deviated from team instructions and played what he called “negative cricket” — performances he believes were deliberate and inconsistent with the club’s strategy. “Our officials instructed the team to play with intent, even if we were bowled out cheaply. But the players did the exact opposite,” said Mostakim. “Some played 40 or 50 balls to score barely 5 or 18 runs — that’s not acceptable.” He further said that he has been receiving phone calls from various quarters expressing doubts about the integrity of some Partex players. “Many are calling me saying certain players are fixing matches. I don’t have experience in these matters, but these kinds of performances raise questions,” he said. Citing an example, Mostakim pointed to a recent game where Partex was chasing 220 runs but managed only 37 runs in the first 20 overs. “That kind of approach makes no cricketing sense,” he added.

Hosts Pakistan made a winning start while tournament favourites West Indies suffered a shock defeat despite a century from captain Hayley Matthews in the opening day of the six-nation ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Lahore on Wednesday. Pakistan made a flying start beating Ireland by 38 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore while Scotish Women's upset favourite West Indies beating them by 11 runs in nerve shattering match at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground.on Wednesday  Bangladesh Women’s team, which narrowly missed the direct World Cup berth losing to New Zealand due to poor  net run rate, will start their campaign in the six-nation World Cup qualifiers  taking on Thailand on Thursday for the remaining two final round spots. The Bangladesh-Thailand match will kick-off at 10:30:am on Thursday at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground. Arya's 39-ball century for Punjab sends Chennai to fourth straight loss in IPL Earlier, Bangladesh women's made a very good practices in Pakistan crushing hosts Pakistan Women's by a massive 167 runs in their second warm-up match after beating Scotland by five wickets in the first warm up match ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. In the day' s World Cup opener,  Pakistan batted first after losing the toss and were all out for 217 runs in 49 overs featuring two half centuries by Aliya Riaz (52) and Sidra Amin (51)  Chasing a target of 218 runs, the Irish Women's were bundled out for 179 runs in 44 overs featuring 44 runs each runs by captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. Diana Baig of Pakistan captured four wickets for 35 runs while Nashru Sandhu took three for 41 runs. Sent into bat first In the other opening day's crucial match,  Scotland piled up moderate 244 runs for all in 44 overs featuring wicket keeper Sarah Bryce's 55 runs off 56 balls with six boundaries In reply, the Caribbeans Women's were all out for 233 runs in 46.2 overs despite a captain knock by opening batter Hayley Matthews, who hammered a century (not out 114) and was adjudged player of the match.

Opening batter Priyansh Arya hit the joint fourth-fastest century in the Indian Premier League as Punjab Kings handed Chennai Super Kings their fourth straight loss on Tuesday. Arya’s (103) 39-ball hundred powered Punjab to 219-6 despite five of its top six batters falling for a combined score of 23 runs. Chennai fell short for the fourth successive time in its run-chase and got restricted to 201-5 to lose by 18 runs as New Zealand left-handed opener Devon Conway top-scored with 69 off 49 balls. Punjab’s third win in four games pushed them to No. 4 on the points table. Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants clinched a thrilling run-fest against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens by four runs. Nicholas Pooran (87 not out) and Mitchell Marsh (81), who notched his fourth half-century in five games, decimated the Kolkata pacers to put up 238-3, Lucknow’s second-highest IPL total. Kolkata was on the verge of overhauling the tall target on the back of captain Ajinkya Rahane’s blazing 61 off 35 balls but four wickets in 14 deliveries undermined the chase and they fell short at 234-7. Nasir Hossain gets ICC clearance after 2-year ban Aggressive Arya stuns Chennai The 24-year-old Delhi opener turned heads when he smashed six sixes in one over during Delhi Premier League last year and was later picked by Punjab at the IPL auction. Arya whacked Khaleel Ahmed’s first ball for a six before the fast bowler couldn’t hold onto a regulation return catch of the next ball as Chennai was scratchy in holding onto catches. The left-hander got another opportunity on 35 when Vijay Shankar dropped a difficult catch at mid-wicket before he completed his half century off 19 balls inside the batting power play. While Arya capitalized on chances with his continuous aggression against both pace and spin of Ravichandran Ashwin, Punjab stumbled to 83-5 in eight overs. But Arya didn’t hold back as he reached his maiden IPL hundred by smacking Matheesha Pathirana for 6, 6, 6, and 4. Chris Gayle holds the record of fastest IPL hundred — off 30 balls — followed by Yousuf Pathan (37 balls), David Miller (38 balls) and Travis Head (39 balls). Arya smashed nine sixes and seven fours before he eventually holed out at long-on in the 13th over while going for another big shot against wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad of Afghanistan. No. 7 batter Shashank Singh made unbeaten 52 off 36 balls and together with Marco Jansen (34 not out) carried Punjab past the 200-run mark with an unbroken 65-run stand. Chennai falls short yet again The New Zealand left-handed pair of Rachin Ravindra (36) and Conway provided Chennai a decent start of 61 off 39 balls, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad yet again faltered and was dismissed cheaply for 1 by Lockie Ferguson. Conway and Shivam Dube (42) both got chances with the New Zealander twice getting dropped of Jansen’s successive deliveries and Ferguson couldn’t grab a simple catch of Dube at point. Ferguson made amends and had Dube clean bowled of a knuckle ball in the 16th over and Conway got retired out as Chennai looked for counterpunch in the final two overs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck three sixes and a boundary in his 12-ball knock of 27. But with 28 required off the final over, he was brilliantly snapped at short fine leg by Yuzvendra Chahal. Kolkata fights back At their home, Kolkata was ahead of the run rate required for so long thanks to a whirlwind start from Rahane and Sunil Narine, who made 30 off 13 balls. They raced to 90-1 in the batting power play against wayward Lucknow pace bowling. Rahane featured in another fruitful 71-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer until Lucknow dented the chase with four quick wickets. Gill leads Gujarat to 7-wicket IPL win vs Hyderabad Shardul Thakur bowled five consecutive wide balls at the start of over No. 13, but he started the slide when yet another full toss was mis-timed by Rahane, who was caught in the covers. When fast bowler Akash Deep got Iyer on 45 in the 16th over three wickets had fallen in nine balls. Then Thakur followed by taking out Andre Russell in his last over through another full toss and the odds were back in Lucknow’s favor. With Kolkata seven down, all the pressure fell on Rinku Singh but his unbeaten 38 off 15 wasn’t quite enough. Marsh and Pooran power Lucknow Aiden Markram and Marsh flattened Kolkata with their opening stand of 99 runs off 62 balls, followed by Pooran’s blitz. Markram was undone by Harshit Rana’s full delivery that nipped back into the South African’s stumps. Marsh, who hit six fours and five sixes, and Pooran then smashed 71 off 30 balls until Marsh holed out to deep point. Pooran continued the punishment, raising his fifty off just 21 balls. He hit eight fours and seven boundaries in his unbeaten knock and leads the IPL batting charts. The game was rescheduled from Sunday at the request of Kolkata police due to religious festivities in the city. Source: With input from agency 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced the squad for the opening Test of the two-match home series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on 20 April at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will take place in Chattogram from 28 April. The major talking point from the announcement is the absence of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who misses out due to injury. BCB’s Senior Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury confirmed that the pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a left Achilles tendon issue and has not been deemed fit for the series. James Pamment appointed as Bangladesh’s new fielding coach In Taskin’s absence, 22-year-old Tanzim Hasan Sakib has earned his maiden Test call-up. The right-arm fast bowler has represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball matches but is yet to feature in the longest format.  The Test series is the beginning of a packed international calendar for Bangladesh, with the team set to play continuous cricket through early 2027. Bangladesh squad for first Zimbabwe Test:  Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed James Pamment as the new fielding coach of the national men’s team, ahead of a season packed with challenges.  James will take over the role ahead of the home series against Zimbabwe later this month. The 56-year-old will serve in the role through the ICC ODI World Cup in October–November 2027. Pamment, an English-born New Zealander, brings a wealth of experience to the Bangladesh setup. He has been associated with high-level fielding development for over a decade, most recently as an assistant coach for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he specialised in fielding and running between the wickets since 2018. His coaching resume includes a five-year stint as head coach at Northern Districts in New Zealand, as well as high-performance roles with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He has previously worked with the senior New Zealand national team, New Zealand A, and the U19 squads. Pamment also briefly served as interim head coach of the United States national team. In a media release issued Monday, the BCB said Pamment will link up with the Bangladesh team ahead of the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. “I am really excited about the opportunity to get involved with a very talented Bangladesh side,” Pamment said in the statement. “I am eagerly looking forward to joining the players and the backroom staff ahead of the Zimbabwe series.” His appointment is part of the BCB’s ongoing effort to strengthen the coaching staff under head coach Phil Simmons, whose tenure was recently extended through to the 2027 World Cup.

Australian batter Will Pucovski has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at only 27, citing ongoing symptoms from repeated concussions.  The former Test opener, who played just one match for Australia in 2021, confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying a medical panel strongly advised him to stop playing following a series of head injuries.  Pucovski last played in March 2024, when he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match and subsequently retired hurt. In the months that followed, he struggled with debilitating side effects, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and motion sickness. “In the couple of months post that, I struggled to get anything done,” Pucovski said in a radio interview. “Things didn’t get better, and it became clear I couldn't go on.” Cricket Victoria acknowledged his retirement and said it had been in regular contact with the player and his management team. Despite his early exit, Pucovski leaves behind a remarkable domestic record, scoring 2,350 runs in 36 first-class matches at an average of 51.40. His elegant 62 -run Test debut against India in 2021 had promised a bright future. His final century came against a strong New South Wales attack in February 2024, reinforcing his potential just months before injury forced him to stop. “It’s been hard to let go,” he said. “I wanted to play 100 Tests, but one is where it ends. My focus now is living a healthy life and staying connected to the game in other ways.”