United News of Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan has been included in the Test team of Bangladesh that will play in Mirpur against South Africa, starting on October 21st. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad on Wednesday. It was uncertain for Shakib to play this series due to the added complexity of his political involvement with the previous government, which was ousted by a popular uprising led by students in July-August. Shakib Al Hasan ‘sorry for silence’ during student movement However, the government has said Shakib will be given the required security to play the Test in Mirpur, which will be his last match in the format. Bangladesh left Khaled Ahmed out of the squad, the only change to the Bangladesh squad that played in India recently. Bangladesh squad for the first match of the two-test series against South Africa: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (WK), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.  

The newly appointed head coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team, Phil Simmons, has arrived in Dhaka for his first assignment with the Tigers—a two-Test home series against South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said that they have signed Simmons for six months—until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan in February.  Simmons was named as Bangladesh’s new coach after the BCB issued a suspension notice to the previous coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, for his alleged involvement in an assault of a national team player, as the BCB president Faruque Ahmed said.  BCB appoints Phil Simmons as Head Coach of Bangladesh National Cricket team After the South Africa series at home, Bangladesh will play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE. Then, they will travel to the West Indies for a full series consisting of Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.  Meanwhile, the South Africa cricket team also arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning. The first Test of the two-match series will begin on October 21 in Dhaka, while the second Test will be played in Chattogram from October 29th. 

To play a two-match Test series against the hosts, the South Africa cricket team arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning. The first Test of the series will take place in Dhaka on October 21, while the second Test will be played in Chattogram. This series is part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC Test Championship. With two wins in six matches, South Africa are currently in fifth place in the points table, while Bangladesh are in seventh place with three wins in eight matches. So, the upcoming series will provide a great chance for both teams to advance their position in the points table to finish as top two. South Africa’s regular captain, Temba Bavuma, will not be available for the first match in Mirpur due to an injury. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead them in the series opener. Bavuma is expected to return for the second match in Chattogram, beginning on October 29. Read: BCB appoints Phil Simmons as Head Coach of Bangladesh National Cricket team Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger was named in the original squad, but he is missing the tour due to a lumbar stress fracture. To replace, the South Africa Cricket added Lungi Ngidi for the Bangladesh series. While the South African team has already landed in Dhaka, the BCB has yet to announce the squad. The Bangladesh team just returned home from their disastrous tour of India, where they lost all of two Tests, and three T20Is. South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh series: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the appointment of former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons as the Head Coach of the Bangladesh National Men’s Cricket Team. Phil Simmons will arrive Dhaka tomorrow (Wednesday) to join the team in preparation for the ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa this month. Simmons(61), has reached an agreement to work with the BCB until the next year ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He will replace national head coach Chandika Haturusingha. BCB issues suspension notice to Chandika Hathurusinga Announcing the BCB President Faruque Ahmed said: “I have had the opportunity to speak to Phil Simmons and have listened to his cricket philosophy and ideas. His extensive coaching experience, vision and proven track record of success make him an ideal choice for this role.” Having represented the West Indies in 26 Tests and 143 ODIs between 1987 and 1999, Simmons began his international coaching career with Zimbabwe in 2004 before going on to coach Ireland from 2007 to 2015. He was appointed West Indies Head Coach twice and was in charge when the team became ICC World T20 champions in 2016. Simmons also coached Afghanistan from 2018 to 2019. Recently, Simmons has worked with teams in various franchisee leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Major League Cricket in the USA, and the GT20 in Canada.

Debutant Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub combined to rebuild the Pakistan innings after England spinner Jack Leach struck twice on a turning wicket in the second cricket test on Tuesday. Left-handed opener Ayub was unbeaten on 40 and Ghulam, replacing rested Babar Azam at No. 4, was not out on 29 as Pakistan reached 79-2 at lunch after the home team won the toss and elected to bat. Leach (2-35) knocked back the off-stump of Abdullah Shafique (7) in his second over and captain Shan Masood (3) fell to the trap of close-in fielders when Zak Crawley pounced on a low catch at short mid-wicket. England deployed both spinners Leach and Shoaib Bashir with the new ball after just five overs after Pakistan opted to reuse the same wicket on which it suffered an innings and 47-run defeat in the first test last week. Matthew Potts, one of the two changes made by England, and Brydon Carse, virtually found no seam movement or swing on a dry wicket before fit-again captain Ben Stokes turned to his spinners and even Joe Root bowled two overs of off-spin before lunch. Ghulam struck a straight six to Leach in a show of rare aggression shown by both batters and Ayub survived in the last over when he got a faint edge but the ball dropped just short of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith on the leg side. Stokes, who missed England’s 2-1 win at home against Sri Lanka and also last week’s victory in Multan, replaced Chris Woakes. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson made way for Potts, who last played a test match against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in August. Pakistan, which is on an 11-match winless streak at home, made four changes after it became the first test-playing nation to lose a match by an innings after scoring 500-plus runs in the first innings. Four senior players, including out-of-form Babar, were rested for the remaining two tests of the series. The spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood, who haven’t played first-class cricket for nine months, were included in the playing XI with Salman Ali Agha and Ayub the other spin options for Pakistan. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was ruled out of the series after he fell ill during the first test and was hospitalized.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) took initiative to sack the head coach of the national cricket team, Chandika Hathurusingha, and issued a show-cause notice. BCB President Faruque Ahmed confirmed on Tuesday at BCB headquarters that the board has decided to issue notice to Chandika. He was also asked to submit a reply to the show-cause notice in 48 hours. “Due to several incidents with broad consequences, we have taken action by issuing a show-cause and suspension letter to the coach,” Faruque Ahmed said. It’s understood that Chandika is accused of assaulting a national team member physically. The board has yet to reveal the incident in a more detailed manner. He was also involved in misconduct related to his agreement with the BCB. Is a new era in Bangladeshi cricket in the making? Chandika prefers to watch for now Phil Simmons will now be the new coach of the Bangladesh team. He signed an agreement till the next Champions Trophy which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2025. As Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika’s last assignment was the India tour, consisting of two Tests and three T20Is. Bangladesh lost all the matches without offering any kind of resistance. Nic Pothas Steps in as Bangladesh's Interim Coach in Chandika's Absence His best in this stint was Bangladesh’s 2-0 win in the Test series against Pakistan in Pakistan. But that was not enough to back his position as Bangladesh’s head coach. Faruque became the president of the BCB after the previous president, Nazmul Hasan, resigned following a popular uprising of students and citizens that ousted the government led by Sheikh Hasina. Chandika’s appointment as head coach last February by the previous board was met with a mixed reaction from the cricketing community. He coached Bangladesh in the last one-day and T20 World Cups, where Bangladesh failed to impress. Bangladesh’s performance in the one-day World Cup in India was more than forgettable, where they failed to win even against the Netherlands. ‘More experienced’ Chandika aims to find own game plan Farque Ahmed, the BCB boss, who also was a former captain of Bangladesh, criticized Chandiaka’s appointment when the previous board brought him back. Faruque and Chandika have a history of disagreements. During Chandika's first stint as Bangladesh's head coach, Faruque, then serving as the chief selector, often clashed with him over team selection, making their differences a frequent topic in the news. Chandika became Bangladesh’s coach for the first time in 2014. After a series in South Africa, he abruptly ended his job with BCB in 2017. Coincidently, he now lost his job before another series against South Africa at home.

Former Bangladesh captains Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mahmudullah Riyad have found their homes for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, with franchises finalizing their rosters after Monday's player draft. The 11th edition of the BPL is set to begin on December 27, featuring seven teams, including newcomer Durbar Rajshahi. All teams secured players through direct signings or retention before completing their squads in the draft. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza rejoins Sylhet Strikers, where he played last season. His participation was initially uncertain as he wasn't retained, but the Strikers ultimately brought him back. Mahmudullah Riyad, another former national captain who recently retired from T20Is, returns to defending champions Fortune Barishal. Pre-Draft Signings: Who’s joining each BPL team for 2025? Teams previously announced their direct signings and retained players. The draft also saw dozens of international players join BPL teams alongside local stars. This year's tournament will feature big names like Moeen Ali, Thisara Perera, Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Johnson Charles, and Alex Hales. Teams after the draft: Dhaka Capitals: Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzid Hasan Tamim (direct signing), (Foreign direct signings) Thisara Perera, Johnson Charles, Amir Hamza, Shahnawaz Dahani, Stephen Eskinazi, (from the draft), Litton Kumar Das, Habibur Rahman, Mukidul Islam, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Saim Ayub, Amir Hamza Hotak, Sabbir Rahman, Munim Shahriar, Asif Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Mushfiq Hasan. Chittagong Kings: (Direct signings) Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, (Foreign direct signings) Moeen Ali, Usman Khan, Haider Ali, Angelo Mathews, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Binura Fernando, (From the draft) Shamim Hossain Patwary, Parvez Hossain Emon, Khaled Ahmed, Aliss Al Islam, Graham Clark, Thomas O'Connell, Mohammad Mithun, Naeem Islam, Maruf Mridha, Rahat-ul-Ferdous Javed, Sheikh Parvez Rahman, Marshall Ayub. Durbar Rajshahi: (Direct signing) Anamul Haque, (From the draft) Taskin Ahmed, Zisan Alam, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Sabbir Hossain, Saad Nasim, Lahiru Samarakoon, Sanjamul Islam, SM Meherob Hasan, Akbar Ali, Hasan Murad, Shafiul Islam, Mohr Sheikh. Fortune Barishal: (Direct signing) Towhid Hridoy. (Retained) Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, (Foreign direct signings) Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf, Ali Mohammad, Jahandad Khan, (From the draft) Mahmudullah Riyad, Tanvir Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Ripon Mondol, James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka, Ebadot Hossain, Naeem Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taijul Islam, Nandre Burger, Shahidul Islam, Ariful Islam. BCB announced squad for Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Oman Sylhet Strikers: (Direct signing) Jaker Ali Anik, (Retained) Tanzim Hasan, Zakir Hasan, (Foreign direct signings) Paul Stirling, George Munsey, (From the draft) Rony Talukdar, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Al-Amin Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Rahkeem Cornwall, Samiullah Shenwari, Ruyel Miah, Ariful Haque, Nihaduzzaman, Nahidul Islam, Reece Topley. Khulna Tigers: (Direct signing) Mehidy Hasan Miraz, (Retained) Afif Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, (Foreign direct signing), Oshane Thomas, (From the draft) Hasan Mahmud, Naeem Sheikh, Imrul Kayes, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mohammad Hasnain, Lewis Gregory, Abu Hider Rony, Ziaur Rahman, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mohammad Nawaz. Rangpur Riders: (Direct signing) Mohammad Saifuddin, (Retained) Nurul Hasan Sohan, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, (Foreign direct signings) Alex Hales, Khushdil Shah, Allah Ghazanfar, Steven Taylor, Saurabh Netravalkar, (From the draft) Nahid Rana, Saif Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Rakibul Hasan, Akif Javed, Curtis Campher, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Irfan Shukkur, Kamrul Islam, Toufiq Khan Tushar. BFF Election: Tabith Awal emerging as frontrunner to replace Salahuddin

Ahead of the players’ draft for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, each participating team has directly signed or retained select players. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently released the final list. Dhaka Capitals signed Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzid Hasan Tamim for Tk 6,000,000 and Tk 4,000,000, respectively, marking a new team for both players. Chattogram Kings secured Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam directly, both for Tk 6,000,000 each. BCB announced squad for Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Oman Fortune Barishal, the defending champions, retained their stalwarts Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim, while also signing Towhid Hridoy directly. All three players will receive Tk 6,000,000. Sylhet Strikers kept hometown favorites Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Zakir Hasan, and added another local player, Jaker Ali, via direct signing. Sakib and Jaker will receive Tk 4,000,000, while Zakir will get Tk 2,500,000. Khulna Strikers retained Nasum Ahmed for Tk 2,500,000 and Afif Hossain for Tk 4,000,000, along with signing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for Tk 6,000,000. Rangpur Riders, the former champions, kept Nurul Hasan Sohan and Mahedi Hasan, each earning Tk 4,000,000, while also adding Mohammad Saifuddin for Tk 2,500,000 through direct signing. BFF Election: Tabith Awal emerging as frontrunner to replace Salahuddin Durbar Rajshahi, a new franchise in the league, brought in Anamul Haque Bijoy directly for Tk 4,000,000. The BPL season is set to start on December 27, featuring a total of seven teams.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced its 15-member final squad for the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup' 2024 to be held in Oman from October 18 to 27. The tournament will be played in the T20 format for the first time. Eight emerging cricket teams from Asia will compete in the meet which creates an exciting platform for young talents to showcase their skills. The previous three editions of the meet was played on 50 over a side match with Pakistan winning the title twice and rest one by India. Akbar Ali, who led Bangladesh to win the historic U-19 World Cup in 2020, will captain the Bangladesh A team in the upcoming tournament. Eight teams, split into two groups, will compete 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 while Group B team consists of India A, Pakistan A, UAE and Oman. In the group matches, Bangladesh will play Hong Kong on Oct 19, Afghanistan on Oct 21 and Sri Lanka on Oct 23. Bangladesh team : Akbar Ali (captain), Saif Hassan ( vice captan), Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Jishan Alam, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Rakibul Hasan, Aliss Al Islam, Wasi Siddiqee,, Abu Hider Rony, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ripon Mondal and Maruf Mridha. Stand by : Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Tanjim Hasan Sakib and Nasum Ahmed.

Bangladesh star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is set to return home to play his final Test match in Mirpur, starting October 21, amid growing protests against him. However, concerns about his safety linger for this connection with the previous government which was ousted by an unprecedented student-citizen movement in August. Recently, a group of student protesters displayed graffiti expressing anger toward Shakib for his actions during the protests in July and August, during which, according to protesters, more than 1,500 people were killed. They also conducted wall-writing expressing anger to Shakib at the cricket stadium area in Mirpur. The protesters said they do not want Shakib to wear Bangladesh’s jersey again, citing his association with the “fascist government”—a reference to the previous administration led by Sheikh Hasina. Shakib Al Hasan ‘sorry for silence’ during student movement On Sunday, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud said he sees no obstacles to Shakib’s return or his participation in the Test match. “He is a cricketer, he will play, and he is a citizen of Bangladesh. I don’t see any obstacle to his homecoming. The responsibility of the state is to ensure the safety of every citizen, including the cricket team. We will ensure that,” said Asif Mahmud while speaking to the media on Sunday.