United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign with a record-breaking victory, chasing down a target of 183 to defeat Afghanistan by 5 wickets in Chennai on Sunday. This is now New Zealand's highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 170. Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a competitive 182 for 6 in their 20 overs. All-rounder Gulbadin Naib starred with a career-best 63, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 29 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 27. Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis, taking 2 wickets in a single over during the powerplay to check Afghanistan’s momentum. Read More: T20 World Cup Opener: Pakistan opt to bowl first vs Netherlands In reply, New Zealand faced an early scare as spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck twice in the second over, removing Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra to leave them at 14 for 2. However, a counter-attacking partnership between Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips steadied the ship. Seifert played a match-winning knock of 65, while Phillips smashed a quickfire 42 off 25 balls. Their aggressive approach ensured New Zealand never fell behind the required rate, with the team reaching 52 for 2 by the end of the powerplay. Later contributions from Mark Chapman (28 off 17) and Daryl Mitchell (25 off 14) helped the Black Caps seal the win with 13 balls to spare.

A high-level delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Sunday evening for urgent crisis talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), following the government's directive to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India. The president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Aminul Islam, is also joining the meeting. He has also reportedly landed in Lahore on Sunday.  Led by ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja, the delegation is expected to land at 4:30 PM to discuss the standoff that threatens to overshadow the ongoing 20-team tournament. Prove you are fair: Pakistan legend Afridi tells ICC supporting Pakistan’s boycott The emergency meeting will also be attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chairman Aminul Islam, who is making a brief visit to meet his PCB counterpart, Mohsin Naqvi, before returning to Bangladesh later in the evening. The diplomatic push comes just days after Indian media reported that the global governing body was exploring back-channel options to break the deadlock. Khawaja, who represents the Singapore Cricket Association, has reportedly been tasked with the delicate responsibility of acting as a mediator to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its boycott of the high-profile fixture. Tensions escalated earlier this week when Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly backed the decision to bar the national team from facing arch-rivals India. Addressing the federal cabinet, Sharif termed the move "appropriate" and the result of "careful deliberation," asserting that "politics should be eradicated from sports". “We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” the Pakistan PM stated. With the T20 World Cup already underway—having started on February 7—the ICC is racing against time to save the tournament's most commercially lucrative fixture. ICC demands proof from Pakistan, warns of financial and legal consequences

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally requested an explanation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding its decision to skip the high-profile T20 World Cup match against India. While the global body wishes to avoid a direct confrontation, it has hinted at seeking financial compensation and potentially imposing strict sanctions for breach of contract. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB submitted an email citing a mandatory directive from the Pakistan government as the primary reason for boycotting the February 15 clash in Colombo. The Pakistan government had announced the decision on social media on February 1. The ICC has stated that to successfully apply the “force majeure” clause under the Members' Participation Agreement, the PCB must prove the situation was entirely beyond its control and detail the steps taken to mitigate the damage. Read More: Sobhana Mostary jumps 16 spots in ICC rankings after World Cup qualifier heroics The governing body warned that the boycott could have severe sporting, commercial, and administrative repercussions, potentially leading to claims for "material damages" or even the suspension of membership for serious breach of obligations. However, the PCB believes its legal standing is strong, citing a precedent set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The PCB had previously lost a case before the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee regarding unplayed series between 2015 and 2023, where the verdict favored the BCCI based on the lack of government clearance. The PCB is now using that verdict as a shield for its current stance.

His bags were practically packed for Germany. His itinerary included a dream stop in Spain to watch Real Madrid play on February 15. He had even told the national team trainer not to disturb him. Yet, in a twist of fate that scripts are made of, Mohammed Siraj found himself not in a European stadium stand, but steaming in at the Wankhede, spearheading India’s World Cup attack just 24 hours later. The Indian pacer, who had originally planned to spend his time off with friends in Hyderabad and Europe, became the accidental hero in India's victory over the USA yesterday. The dramatic turnaround began when pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the tournament due to injury just a day before the World Cup commenced. Siraj, who hadn't played a T20 International since July 2024, received a call that he initially thought was a prank. “Suddenly Surya Bhai (Captain Suryakumar Yadav) called me. He said, ‘Get ready, pack your bags and come.” I said, 'Surya Bhai, don't joke, this isn't possible,’” Siraj recalled after the match. The gravity of the situation only sank in when national selector Pragyan Ojha called immediately after to confirm the summons. Pakistan survives collapse to beat Netherlands by 3 wickets in World Cup opener With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to fever, the pressure on the sudden replacement was immense. However, Siraj rose to the occasion, defending India's total of 161 by claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs. Reflecting on the cancellation of his plans to watch Real Madrid on the 15th and the start of Ramadan, Siraj attributed the events to destiny. “What God has written, no one can change. I came, I played the match, it was all pre-written,” he said.

Durbar XI secured their spot in the final of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 tournament after defeating Duronto XI by 7 wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and comprised of Bangladesh 'A' team players, Durbar will now face the Litton Das-led Dhumketu XI in the title decider on Monday. Duronto XI, a team consisting of High Performance and Under-19 World Cup players captained by Akbar Ali, needed a big win to stay alive in the tournament but failed to put up a challenging total after losing the toss. Batting first, Duronto suffered a top-order collapse, reduced to 8 for 3 within the first two overs. Resistance from Ariful Islam, who scored 41 off 32 balls, and Meherob Hossain, who added 36 off 23 balls, helped the side reach 145 before being bowled out in 19.5 overs. Pacer Khaled Ahmed was the wrecker-in-chief for Durbar, claiming 4 wickets for 23 runs to earn the Player of the Match award. Fatigue sets in as Bangladesh cricketers struggle through packed calendar In reply, Durbar made light work of the chase, reaching the target with 15 balls to spare. Opener Habibur Rahman provided a blistering start, smashing 39 off just 17 balls with 5 sixes and a four. Mahmudul Hasan Joy anchored the innings with a steady 58 off 51 balls, while Nurul Hasan Sohan remained unbeaten on 28 off 24 balls to seal the victory. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held this tournament after the board decided to not to play in the ongoing T20 World Cup due to security concerns in India. Bangladesh had requested the ICC to relocate their matches to the co-host Sri Lankan venues, but the ICC denied.

Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 3 wickets in their opening match of the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Saturday. Chasing a target of 147, Pakistan required 29 runs from the final two overs with only three wickets remaining. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf secured the victory, scoring an unbeaten 29 off 11 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. In the critical 19th over bowled by Logan van Beek, Faheem struck three sixes and a four to take 24 runs. He was dropped on the second ball of the over by Max O'Dowd. Pakistan chased down the remaining 5 runs in the final over with three balls to spare. T20 World Cup Opener: Pakistan opt to bowl first vs Netherlands Earlier in the innings, Pakistan appeared comfortable at 98 for 2, needing 50 runs from 9 overs. However, the team suffered a collapse, losing five wickets for just 16 runs to fall to 114 for 7. Opener Sahibzada Farhan scored 47, while Saim Ayub added 24. Captain Babar Azam scored 15 off 18 balls, while Usman Khan was out for a duck. Batting first, the Netherlands reached 100 runs in 12.1 overs with seven wickets in hand. However, Pakistan's bowlers restricted them in the final five overs, where the Dutch lost six wickets for 26 runs to finish at 147 all out. Pakistan's fielding was a highlight, with the team taking a total of nine catches. This included a relay catch on the boundary by Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to dismiss Michael Levitt. Pakistan will face the United States in their next Group A match on February 10 Nasser Hussain backs Bangladesh and Pakistan stance on T20 World Cup

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first against the Netherlands as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 got underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Saturday. Despite searingly hot conditions, Agha’s decision was influenced by what he described as “unusual” conditions for a Sri Lankan venue, pointing to a significant layer of grass on the surface. “It looks like a fresh pitch and there's been rain for a few days, so if there's any moisture we want to use that,” Agha explained at the toss. “It's the first time I've seen that much grass in Sri Lanka”. Looking to exploit the potential early movement, Pakistan named a seam-heavy attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, newcomer Salman Mirza, and Faheem Ashraf. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards admitted he would have also preferred to bowl first but remained optimistic about setting a target on what he termed a “very good batting wicket”. “We're happy to be batting here,” Edwards said. “We've been in India and SL for a month and a half, used to the conditions. Plenty of all-rounders and options for bowling and batting”. Bangladesh is not playing this World Cup as their demand to relocate their venues due to security concerns in India was rejected by the ICC.

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a severe blow just five days before their opening match, with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The news comes as a double blow for the 2021 champions, who had already lost Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins to injury earlier. Hazlewood, who has been battling ongoing hamstring and Achilles issues, did not travel with the squad to co-host nation Sri Lanka earlier this week. Instead, he remained in Sydney for rehabilitation. Cricket Australia (CA) selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed that while the team had hoped for a late recovery, the timeline was too tight. “We were hoping Josh would be fit to return for the Super Eights matches,” Dodemaide said. “However, the latest information indicates that he will need more time to be fully ready. Accelerating his preparation at this stage would significantly increase the risk of further injury.” Hazlewood had been in stellar form in the T20 format last year, playing a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title win and performing well in series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India. His troubles began with a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match prior to the Ashes, followed by a recurring Achilles problem. Cricket Australia has not yet named a replacement, though Sean Abbott is currently with the squad as a traveling reserve. “We are not announcing a replacement player at this moment. We feel our squad is balanced enough for the initial matches. A decision will be made later based on priority if the situation demands,” Dodemaide added. Injured Cummins left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad The injury crisis in the Australian camp extends beyond the pace attack. The team fielded only 11 fit players for Thursday's warm-up match against the Netherlands in Colombo, which was eventually washed out. However, there is some positive news, as leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who suffered a groin strain against Pakistan on February 1, is expected to be fit for the opener against Ireland. Nathan Ellis and Tim David are reportedly “on track” to recover from their respective hamstring issues for the group stage.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is facing concerns over a potential financial blow following Pakistan’s decision to boycott its high-profile T20 World Cup group match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s last-minute refusal to play the fixture has already triggered alarm among organisers, as the match was expected to generate significant revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting and tourism-related income. Colombo is currently fully booked, with hotels and related services anticipating a surge of visitors for the marquee clash. During an executive committee meeting on Tuesday, SLC decided to formally approach the PCB, urging it to reconsider the boycott. A letter to that effect was sent on Thursday. Sources said SLC fears that if the match does not go ahead, it would not only hurt the board’s earnings but also negatively affect Sri Lanka’s broader economy. A no-match scenario could also impact funding from international broadcasters, with potential consequences for ICC revenue distribution to member boards and associate nations. Prove you are fair: Pakistan legend Afridi tells ICC supporting Pakistan’s boycott In its letter, SLC reminded Pakistan of Sri Lanka’s past support, particularly when the island nation toured Pakistan at a time when international teams were reluctant to visit following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. SLC also warned of possible adverse effects on tourism, including hotel booking cancellations, flight disruptions and complications for logistical service providers. The board reiterated that it was fully prepared to host the sellout match at the R Premadasa Stadium. Meanwhile, India have made it clear they are ready to proceed with the fixture. India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s position remains unchanged and that they are prepared to travel to Colombo as scheduled. “Our mindset is clear. We will play. Our flight is booked and we are going,” Suryakumar said during the captains’ media briefing in Colombo on Thursday, as quoted by the ICC. “We have been told we have a game on February 15.” He acknowledged the complexity of the situation for Pakistan but stressed that the decision ultimately lies with them. Kamran Akmal slams ICC’s ‘double standards’ as Pakistan stand firm on skipping India clash Pakistan had earlier announced its boycott of the match against India in support of Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will run from February 7 to March 8. India begin their campaign against the United States on February 7 and are set to play their second group match on February 12. #With inputs from NDTV

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has thrown his weight behind Bangladesh and Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup crisis, asserting that it is high time to halt the intrusion of politics into the sport. Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast with fellow commentator Mike Atherton, Hussain praised Dhaka’s refusal to bow to pressure and Islamabad’s solidarity move. “I liked that Bangladesh stood firm on their decision. They stood up for their player Mustafizur. I liked Pakistan's stance as well,” Hussain said. Tracing the crisis to its flashpoint, Hussain pinpointed the exclusion of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL as the catalyst. Center of World Cup storm Mustafizur lands PSL deal with Lahore He noted that everything “snowballed” from the moment the BCCI allegedly directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Rahman from the squad due to the political climate. Hussain views Pakistan’s subsequent boycott of the India match as a strategic financial strike. With the India-Pakistan fixture reportedly generating more revenue than the rest of the tournament combined, Hussain argued this was the only leverage left. “The only way to hit the ICC or even India is through the money and finance of the India-Pakistan match. It is the only way,” he observed. The former captain also posed a sharp hypothetical regarding the ICC’s consistency. He questioned whether the governing body would be as “inflexible’ if the roles were reversed—specifically, if the Indian government barred its team from traveling a month before a tournament. ICC, Google announce first-ever AI-powered T20 World Cup for 2026 “Would the ICC still... say—you know the rules, bad luck, we are dropping you?” Hussain asked, implying a double standard in how Bangladesh was treated compared to India. He further lamented how politics has seeped into player behavior, describing recent incidents where players refused handshakes or declined trophies as “depressing”. Warning that constantly “cornering” nations like Bangladesh and Pakistan would degrade global cricket, he urged the ICC to treat all members equally, regardless of financial background.