United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh A Team made a flying start in the eight-team ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup' 2024 beating Hong Kong National team by five wickets with 10 balls remaining in the opening match at the Al Amerat Cricket ground in Oman on Friday. Sent into bat first, Hong Kong team scored 150 for 8 in 20 overs featuring 65 runs in the 3rd wicket stand by Nizakat Khan and Babar Hayat. Two down Babar Hayat hammered the match highest and polished 85 runs off 61 balls hitting two fours and seven sixes while captain Nizakat Khan scored 20-ball 25 runs with one four and a six Bangladeshi pacer Ripon Mondal made major damage in Hong Kong innings grabbing four wickets for 24 runs and was adjudged player of the match. Besides, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi, Rakibul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja and Abu Hider took one wicket each. BCB announced squad for Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Oman Chasing a target of 151 runs, the 2nd string Bangladesh team easily reached their ultimate goal scoring the match -winner 151 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.2 overs,featuring 54 runs in the 4th wicket stand by Towhid Hridoy and Akbar Ali. Captain Akbar Ali, who also led Bangladesh to win the historic U-19 World Cup in 2020, scored the team highest 45 runs off 24 balls featuring four fours and three sixes while Towhid Hridoy made 29 runs off 22 balls with two hits to fence and one over the fence. Besides, Parvez Hossain Emon (28), Shamim Hossain (19) and opener Jishan Alam (11) were the other notable batsmen for Bangladesh reaching the double figure. Ehsan Khan claimed three Bangladesh wickets conceding 12 runs in quota of four overs. The ongoing tournament now played on T20 format for the first time. The previous three editions of the meet was played in a 50 over a side match with Pakistan winning the title twice and the other one by India. Eight teams, split into two groups, are competing in the tournament with the top two teams from each of the group progressing to the semifinals billed for October 25. The grand finale of the inaugural T20 tournament will take place on October 27. Bangladesh A team put in Group A with Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong National team while Group B team consists of India A, Pakistan A, UAE and Oman National team. In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will play Afghanistan on Oct 21 and Sri Lanka on Oct 23.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul broke his silence on Shakib Al Hasan, saying he finds no illogicality in the public anger against the ace star cricketer. The allrounder was scheduled to return home on Thursday to play the first Test of the upcoming Bangladesh-South Africa series in Dhaka, which he said would be his last match in the format. However, due to demonstrations against him for his role during the student-led protests that toppled the previous government of Sheikh Hasina, the celebrated criketer was forced to rescind his plan to return home. A group of demonstrators, mostly students, submitted a letter warning the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) against playing Shakib on home soil. At the same time, his fans chanted slogans in his favour on Friday. “There is no player like Shakib in Bangladesh’s history,” Asif Nazrul said during a programme aired by private TV station - Channel I. “He could have been the most popular man in Bangladesh’s history. But for his involvement with a fascist government, he said. Asif Nazrul indicated that Shakib’s role in the previous government made it difficult for him to maintain the stardom he once enjoyed. “I just can’t believe it… When people were being killed, when there was crying, anger, and suffering everywhere, he posted that he was ‘enjoying life at’—I don’t know where. How is it possible for a human being?” Asif Nazrul said, referring to a social media post Shakib shared during the protests, showing his happy life in Toronto. “And then being involved in betting, unruly behavior… Sometimes I feel people will say I’m talking too much, but I think Sheikh Hasina is also responsible for this. She created a system where anything can be forgiven, and anyone can get indemnity if they are loyal to her. It can confuse anyone, which might have happened to Shakib. I feel for him, but the anger against him doesn’t feel unwarranted,” Asif Nazrul added. During Bangladesh's recent India tour, Shakib announced his retirement ahead of the Kanpur Test and said he wanted to play his last Test in front of the home crowd. However, he also expressed concerns about his safety at home due to his political identity and his role during the protest, which the Sheikh Hasina government attempted to crack down on with brutal force, resulting in at least a thousand deaths.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) added Hasan Murad to the Test squad for the first match of the two-Test series against South Africa, starting on October 21. Hasan Murad, a left-arm spinner, replaces Shakib Al Hasan, who could not return home to play the match in Dhaka due to concerns for his safety from public anger. BCB terminates Hathurusinghe's contract; appoints Phil Simmons head coach Shakib was a member of the previous government toppled by the student movement in August. The 23-year-old Murad has taken 136 wickets in 30 first class matches since his debut in 2021. “We have been informed that Shakib is unavailable for the first Test,” Chairman BCB Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chairman of the BCB selection committee, said. “He is at the end of his Test career, but along with his experience, we still do not have someone of that calibre with both bat and the ball to replace him.” He also added that Hasan Murad’s first-class history indicates that he can do well at home as a spinner. ‘Wished for Shakib’s retirement on home soil': Adviser Asif Bangladesh squad for Dhaka Test vs South Africa: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad,

Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, on Thursday regretted the inability to accord the country's biggest cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan his farewell from cricket on home soil. However, he acknowledged the ongoing public discontent regarding Shakib's association with the ousted Awami League government, describing it as a natural response. Shakib’s final Test appearance called off over security fears "There is public resentment due to Shakib Al Hasan's association with the Awami fascist government," he stated, emphasising the importance of addressing these concerns. Despite Shakib's efforts to clarify his political position through a Facebook post aimed at soothing public frustration, recent protests demonstrated that "it has become evident... that it was not enough." The sports adviser remarked that "those who are protesting also have the constitutional right to do so, underlining the legitimacy of their grievances." Shakib included in squad for South Africa Test In light of the upcoming series between South Africa and Bangladesh, Asif advised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to discourage Shakib playing in the country for the time being, aiming to prevent any undesirable situations. He explained that this decision was made "as an urgent measure to protect both the players' safety and the country's image in international sports." Asif concluded with a call for respecting the law, stating, "If there are any complaints, solutions can be sought through the legal process."

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially terminated the contract of National Team head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe due to misconduct and breach of employment terms. Hathurusinghe, who commenced his second tenure as head coach of the Bangladesh team in January 2023, had five months remaining on his contract when the termination was announced. Shakib’s final Test appearance called off over security fears On Tuesday, the BCB issued a notice to Hathurusinghe seeking an explanation regarding the allegations. After receiving his response on Wednesday, the board convened an emergency meeting to review the situation. Upon consideration of all factors, the BCB board found Hathurusinghe's explanation unsatisfactory and unacceptable, deeming his actions as consistent with misconduct and dereliction of duty. Consequently, his termination takes immediate effect. New Bangladesh cricket coach Phil Simmons arrives in Dhaka In light of this development, the board has endorsed the appointment of former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons as the new head coach of the Bangladesh National Team. Simmons will oversee the team for the upcoming four events: -The ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa at home -The ODI series against Afghanistan away -The ICC World Test Championship Test series in the West Indies, alongside ODI and T20i series -The ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled for February-March 2025   End/UNB/MMK/MB

Facing protest threats, Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has cancelled his plan to return home to play a Test match in Dhaka, which he had said would be his final appearance in the longer format of cricket. Shakib was expected to arrive in Dhaka from the USA, where his family resides, on Thursday night. Shakib says he is not returning home: Report However, he decided to cancel due to protests in Mirpur, where the first Test of the two-match series between Bangladesh and South Africa is scheduled to be held on October 21. Speaking to the media, Shakib said he is not returning at this time due to security concerns, effectively signalling an unofficial end to his Test career. Shakib included in squad for South Africa Test Asif Mahmud, the sports adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, mentioned that he had advised the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to discourage Shakib's return, citing the risk of public backlash. Shakib was a member of the Awami League-led government, which was toppled by a popular student-citizen uprising in July and August this year. The former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government used deadly force to quell the protests, resulting in at least 1,000 deaths. Shakib’s silence during the protests has angered many of his young fans, many of whom have turned against him. Al Mashnun, a protester who was among those who wrote to the BCB urging them not to play Shakib in Dhaka, stated that they had demanded that Shakib not play for the national team. BCB has yet to comment on Shakib’s potential participation in the national team. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, BCB chief selector, noted that he has no official confirmation regarding Shakib's participation in the upcoming Test against South Africa in Dhaka. “As far as I know, he is available to play in the first Test,” he told UNB. “But there are some other issues at play. I cannot yet confirm whether Shakib has chosen not to play the Dhaka Test.”

India was skittled by New Zealand for 46 on Thursday, its lowest ever total in a home test match. It was India's third lowest test score, after 36 all out against Australia in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 all out against England at Lord's in 1974. Matt Henry took 5-15, while young pacer William O’Rourke took 4-22 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With the stadium lights on under dark clouds, India had five ducks in its innings — including star Virat Kohli — equalling its second most zeros in a test innings. For New Zealand, Henry became the third fastest bowler to 100 test wickets, in 26 innings, one short of Richard Hadlee's record of 25. After the first day was washed out, India was down to 34-6 by lunch. After the break, Henry dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin on the first ball. Then Rishabh Pant, top-scoring with 20 runs, was out caught, again off Henry. Henry completed his fiver for the fourth-best haul for a New Zealand pacer in India, to reduce the home side to 40-9. The innings ended at 46, the lowest test total in Asia, surpassing 53 by West Indies against Pakistan in 1986 and 53 by Pakistan against Australia in 2002. India's previous lowest score at home was 62, also against New Zealand at Mumbai in 2021. Earlier, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who won the toss and decided to bat, was out for 2 in the seventh over and Kohli, caught by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of O’Rourke — who took 3-13 — was out two overs later without adding to India’s then-total of nine runs.

Amidst concerns over facing possible public anger for his role in the student-led protests that ousted Bangladesh’s iron-fisted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan said he is not coming home to play a Test match in Dhaka, which he said his last match in the format.  This made the last Test of the series between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur the last Test of Shakib’s career.  Before that match in Kanpur, Shakib announced his retirement from the longest format of international cricket and expressed his desire to play his last Test in front of the home crowd in Dhaka. But this wish is about to remain unfulfilled.  In an interview with bdnews24 from Dubai, Shakib—on a transit stop during his journey back—addressed his change of plans. “I was supposed to return home, but now I might not be able to do so due to security issues, for my own safety,” he said. It’s clear that Shakib was forced to cancel his plan due to ongoing protests about his homecoming. A group of protesting students burned his effigy on Wednesday at the University of Dhaka. Another group planned to submit a letter to BCB urging them to prevent Shakib from entering the stadium. Shakib's silence during the student-led protest against the Sheikh Hasina government led to this situation. The toppled administration led by Sheikh Hasina tried to quell the protest using deadly weapons that eventually left at least 1000 killed.  Shakib’s homecoming in limbo as protest threat looms large Despite being one of the most celebrated cricketers in Bangladesh’s history, Shakib was silent during the protests, which triggered an angry reaction from the protesting students, who expected Shakib to stand by them. But Shakib, who was also a member of the Awami League government, posted his happy pictures on social media during the protests, which  fueled the anger against him.  When Shakib announced his retirement in Kanpur, he also expressed concerns about his safety if he returned home. He urged the board to ensure his safety during his stay in Dhaka. But the board and the sports ministry reacted in tough words. The sports ministry was led by a student leader, Asif Mahmud, who was among the top organizers of the porters. He is one of the two student leaders who were appointed as advisers in the current interim government.  Later, the sports adviser said they would ensure security for Shakib when he returned home. However, the government changed its stance in reaction to the ongoing protests against Shakib.  A high-ranking government official confirmed Wednesday night that Shakib was advised to forgo his plan to return due to the current political climate. This situation suggests that Shakib’s Test career may now have reached an unofficial end.  

Former Bangladesh captain and allrounder Shakib Al Hasan’s return to Bangladesh has become uncertain as student protesters burned his effigy on Wednesday. Shakib has earlier said that he wants to play the last Test match of his career in Dhaka, in front of the home crowd. Shakib has been named in Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, with the first match set for October 21 in Mirpur. Shakib included in squad for South Africa Test According to sources within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Shakib is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday at 11:20 p.m. However, his return now appears uncertain due to Wednesday’s protests and the threat of more demonstrations. A high government official confirmed to UNB that concerns over public anger have led to advisories against Shakib’s coming to Dhaka for his own safety. A leader of the protesting student group, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they intend to submit a letter to the BCB headquarters on Thursday afternoon, urging the board to prevent Shakib from entering the stadium. No legal bar for Shakib to return home: Adviser Asif The group has also called on more students and protesters to join them at the BCB headquarters. Earlier, Asif Mahmud, the sports adviser for Bangladesh’s interim government, assured that necessary security arrangements would be provided for Shakib and suggested that he clarify his political stance. In response, Shakib issued an apology on social media for his silence during the protests in July and August against the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, who was viewed as autocratic. Shakib Al Hasan ‘sorry for silence’ during student movement After the student-led protests ousted the Sheikh Hasina government, of which Shakib was a member, hundreds of legal cases were filed against the leaders of the Sheikh Hasina party, including Shakib.  

England's top-order crumbled against spin-heavy Pakistan on a reused pitch after Ben Duckett hit a robust century in the second test on Wednesday. The tourists slipped to 239-6 at stumps on Day 2 and still trail by 127 runs after Pakistan tailenders had resisted before being bowled out for 366 shortly after lunch. Duckett’s 114 off 129 balls looked to have kept England in the driver's seat before it lost four late wickets in a sensational collapse against spinners Sajid Khan (4-86) and Noman Ali (2-75). Khan struck three times in 10 deliveries and got the big wickets of Joe Root (34), Duckett and Harry Brook (9). Ben Stokes, returning to test cricket from a torn hamstring, got caught close to the wicket of Ali’s left-arm spin after scoring just 1 off five balls. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 12 as Pakistan spinners exposed England’s long tail with Brydon Carse not out on 2 from 19 balls. Duckett had dominated the spinners with his authoritative sweep shots and added 86 runs with Root before Khan struck late on a dry wicket, tailor-made to suit the home team’s all-out spin attack. Leach take 2 wickets as Pakistan reaches 79-2 on 1st day of 2nd test against England Root, who scored a memorable 262 in England’s massive innings and 47-run win in the first test, dragged Khan back onto his stumps and then Duckett edged the off-spinner to slip after the ball had spun enough from the rough. Brook, the triple-century maker at the same venue last week, then paid the price of exposing his stumps to Khan’s length ball and got clean bowled as Pakistan sliced the strong England batting lineup with its spinners, who haven’t played first-class cricket for the last nine months. Opening batter Zak Crawley made a shaky 27 and couldn’t capitalize on chances as Khan made a mess of a run-out chance when he broke the stumps before grabbing the ball at the non-striker’s end. Duckett later convinced Crawley to go for a successful lbw television referral before he finally got caught behind of Ali after contributing 73 runs for the first wicket stand. Duckett had bossed the spinners for 16 boundaries with his strong sweep shots before Pakistan's spinners hit back late. Earlier, Jack Leach grabbed 4-114 and fast bowlers Carse (3-50) and Matthew Potts (2-66) shared five wickets in between them before Pakistan was dismissed shortly after lunch. The tailenders batted around all-rounder Aamer Jamal’s 37 to frustrate England with Ali also playing a little cameo of 32 off 61 balls as Pakistan added 107 to its overnight 259-5. Pakistan lost the overnight pair of Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Ali Agha (31) before Jamal, who received treatment on his hip while batting, chipped away by adding 49 runs with Ali. Rizwan’s scrappy knock ended in the third over of the day when Jamie Smith made a spectacular diving catch as Carse squared up the batter with his pace. Jamal and Noman defied England in the latter half of the first session as Pakistan added 99 runs to its overnight 259-5 before Leach and Carse ended the frustration by dismissing the home team after lunch. Debutant Kamran Ghulam made headlines on Day 1 with a resolute century as Pakistan looks for its first home win in 12 matches by packing its playing XI with three specialist spinners and only one fast bowler in Jamal. Ghulam had been scoring well in Pakistan’s domestic seasons for the last four years, but got his chance after Pakistan rested its premier batter Babar Azam for the remaining two test matches of the series against England.