United News of Bangladesh

Just days after being unceremoniously dropped from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to political pressure, Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman has found a new battleground. The left-arm sensation has officially signed up for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The development was confirmed via the PSL's official social media handles on Tuesday; sharing a photo of the pacer, the league issued a playful warning: “Batsmen beware… Mustafizur Rahman joins HBL PSL 11.” Read more: BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 squad Mustafizur’s entry into the PSL comes as a direct repost to his exclusion from the IPL. He was set to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who had purchased him for a record BDT 9.20 crore (INR 9.20 crore) after a bidding war with Chennai and Delhi. However, KKR released him last Saturday following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing threats from “extremist groups” and political objections. While the IPL's loss appears to be the PSL's gain, Mustafizur’s specific team in Pakistan is yet to be determined. He will enter the upcoming player draft, where he is expected to be a top pick. This year's PSL, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, will be the tournament's largest edition to date, expanding to eight teams. Read more: “Days of slavery are over”: Bangladesh’s sports adviser reacts strongly to Mustafizur’s IPL exit This year will be Mustafizur’s return to the league after a seven-year hiatus; he previously played for the Lahore Qalandars in 2018, taking 4 wickets in 5 matches.

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Adelaide International, an Australian Open warm-up event, citing a lack of physical readiness as he continues his build-up to the season’s first Grand Slam. The 38-year-old Serb announced his decision on Monday through social media, saying he is not yet prepared to return to competitive action. Djokovic expressed disappointment at missing the tournament, where he lifted the trophy two years ago and enjoyed strong support from local fans. Addressing supporters in Adelaide, Djokovic said the decision was difficult, adding that he had been looking forward to returning to a venue where he felt “at home” and had created special memories. However, he stressed that his priority is now fully focused on preparing for the Australian Open. Djokovic has not played an official match for nearly two months. His last appearance came on Nov. 8, when he defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti to win the Hellenic Championship final in Athens. Shortly after that victory, he withdrew from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year, citing a shoulder injury. The former world No. 1 said he expects to arrive in Melbourne soon as he continues his preparation for the Australian Open, which gets underway at Melbourne Park on Jan. 18. Djokovic is the most successful player in the history of the tournament, having won the Australian Open a record 10 times, including his most recent title in 2023. However, he has failed to reach the final in each of the past two editions, exiting at the semifinal stage both times. In 2025, he was forced to retire after one set of his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev due to a torn hamstring. Despite injury setbacks, Djokovic reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam events last season. He begins the new year ranked No. 4 in the world, behind Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Zverev. His withdrawal from Adelaide follows another significant announcement, made a day earlier, that he is ending his involvement with the Professional Tennis Players Association, the organization he co-founded that has been engaged in legal action against tennis’s governing bodies. Bangladesh refuses to travel to India for World Cup next month

Bangladesh has officially decided not to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, escalating the sporting standoff between the two countries to an unprecedented level. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul disclosed the major development on Sunday, calling the move as a necessary response to what he termed the ‘radical communal policy’ of the Indian cricket authorities. The decision came as a dramatic shift from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) initial plan to merely request a venue change. It signals a definitive boycott of matches on Indian soil following the controversial exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Decision on IPL broadcast ban after legal assessment: Adviser Rizwana “Bangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh Cricket Board took this decision today,” Asif Nazrul wrote on his social media. “I welcome this decision adopted in the context of the Indian board's radical communal policy,” he added. The crisis was triggered on Saturday when the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman. The move was celebrated by certain Indian political leaders as a “victory for Hindus,” a rhetoric that has drawn sharp condemnation from Dhaka. In parallel, the government is moving to sever cricketing ties on the broadcast front.  Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan earlier said the administration is actively reviewing legal frameworks to ban the telecast of the 2026 IPL within Bangladesh. “There is no way to sit silent; a reaction must be shown,” Rizwana Hasan stated at the Secretariat, echoing Nazrul’s earlier sentiment that “the days of slavery are over.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das named as captain and Saif Hassan as his deputy. The squad announcement, made via a press release on Sunday (January 04, 2026), includes notable exclusions. Najmul Hossain Shanto, despite showing good form in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), has been left out, as has wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali. In total, six players from the 2024 World Cup campaign have been omitted. Read more: BCB eyes ICC intervention for World Cup security following Mustafizur’s IPL exit Veterans Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad are absent, alongside Soumya Sarkar and Tanvir Islam. Nine players have retained their spots from the previous edition, including pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently the center of a diplomatic row after being excluded from the IPL. The squad has a balance of seven batters, three spinners, and five pacers. New inclusions to the setup are Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Nasum Ahmed. The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. Bangladesh is scheduled to face the West Indies in their opening match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Drawn in Group C, Bangladesh will also compete against defending champions England, Italy, and Nepal. Read more: “Days of slavery are over”: Bangladesh’s sports adviser reacts strongly to Mustafizur’s IPL exit While the schedule currently lists three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, the BCB has recently discussed a venue change to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (Captain), Saif Hassan (Vice-Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Shoriful Islam.

Inspired by Sadio Mané, defending champions Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Sudan on Saturday. With suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly absent, Mané led by example, creating goals and pressing relentlessly. He set up two goals for Pape Gueye and later assisted substitute Ibrahim Mbaye as Senegal recovered from an early shock sixth-minute goal by Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah. Gueye equalized in the 29th minute before scoring again prior to halftime. Mbaye sealed the win late as the Lions of Teranga booked a quarterfinal meeting with Mali on Jan. 9 in Tangier. Earlier, Mali reached the last eight after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Casablanca. Despite playing with 10 men from the 26th minute, Mali held firm as goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved two penalties. Tunisia appeared set to win late in regulation time before conceding a stoppage-time penalty, allowing Lassine Sinayoko to force extra time. Mali ultimately prevailed, setting up a West African quarterfinal showdown with Senegal.

The diplomatic fallout from the Indian Premier League's exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman has escalated significantly, with Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul calling for the country’s T20 World Cup matches to be moved out of India. In a blistering statement issued on Saturday, Asif Nazrul condemned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for ordering the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the pacer, accusing the Indian board of “surrendering to radical communal groups.” Nazrul revealed he has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to lodge a formal written explanation with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The directive includes a specific request to relocate Bangladesh's World Cup fixtures to co-host nation Sri Lanka due to safety concerns. BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 squad “I have told the board to inform (the ICC) that where a single contracted Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India, the entire Bangladesh cricket team cannot feel safe going there to play the World Cup,” Nazrul stated. Raising the stakes further, the Adviser announced he has requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the telecast of the IPL within Bangladesh. “We will not accept insults to Bangladesh cricket, cricketers, and the nation under any circumstances,” Nazrul declared. “The days of slavery are over!” The controversy began earlier on Saturday when KKR released Mustafizur following a BCCI directive triggered by political pressure. BJP leader Sangeet Som had praised the move as a “victory for Hindus,” citing alleged violence against minorities in Bangladesh. BCB eyes ICC intervention for World Cup security following Mustafizur’s IPL exit While the decision drew support from India’s ruling party, it faced sharp criticism from opposition figures. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor termed the move “reprehensible,” asking whether the player was being punished for his religion.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has indicated it will bypass Indian authorities and communicate directly with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding security concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCB directors are scheduled to meet on Saturday night at 9:30 PM to discuss the situation and formally clarify the board's position. This move came after the forced removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL’s upcoming season. With the BCCI instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur due to political pressure and threats, questions have arisen regarding the safety of the Bangladesh national team during the World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. When asked if the team would be safe playing in Kolkata and Mumbai, the BCB president Aminul Islam addressed the issue at a press conference in Sylhet on Saturday. “The ICC is organizing the tournament, India is the host,” Aminul stated. “If we need to communicate anything, we will do so with the ICC.” There is speculation that Bangladesh might request a venue change similar to Pakistan, who will play all their World Cup matches in co-host nation Sri Lanka. However, BCB Media Committee head Amzad Hussain noted that “the ICC will decide which venue is suitable.” Despite KKR issuing an official statement confirming Mustafizur's release, the BCB claims it has yet to receive formal communication from the BCCI.

Leaders from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prominent religious figures have praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the removal of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). After the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) issued an official statement on Saturday confirming they had released the pacer per BCCI’s directive, BJP leader Sangeet Som described the move as a triumph for the nation's majority faith. “This is a victory for Hindus across the whole country,” Som told a local news agency. “Thanks to the BCCI for keeping the 100 crore Sanatani Indians in mind. We said yesterday that action would be taken because the emotions of 100 crore people cannot be trifled with.” Som, a former MLA from Uttar Pradesh, had previously attacked KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan for purchasing Mustafizur at the auction, labeling the Bollywood star a “traitor.” Following the player's dismissal, Som added, “Shah Rukh Khan has realized that living in India, one should not go against Sanatanis.” Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap also commended the cricket board's intervention. He stated that the BCCI respected national sentiment regarding alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that the Indian government has been protesting these issues. Mustafizur was originally signed by KKR for a record INR 9.20 crore but was forced out following days of intense political pressure.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League. This move was another indication of the deteriorating relationship between the two neighbours since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which is criticised by the analysts as authoritarian, in 2024, and which had been a close ally of India. The Indian board has also granted the franchise permission to sign a replacement player. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive while speaking to an Indian news agency in Guwahati. Read more: Afghanistan announce T20 squad for World Cup “Due to recent events, the BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to release the Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their team,” Saikia said. “The BCCI has further stated that if they wish to replace the player, the BCCI will grant that permission as well,” he added.  The decision comes amidst growing controversy in Bangladesh following reports of violence against religious minorities in India. In recent weeks, a number of attacks have taken place against Muslim minorities in India.  The same kind of incidence of religious intolerance took place in Bangladesh as well. In one incident, a garment worker was killed by a mob that accused him of insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Bangladesh government arrested around a dozen people who were involved in the incident.  Indian media outlets report that Mustafizur's contract with KKR faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Prominent Indian figures had called for his removal, with religious leader Devkinandan Thakur urging KKR management to drop the cricketer. Along with that, hard-liner BJP leader Sangeet Som publicly criticised franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan for the acquisition. Mustafizur was the sole Bangladeshi player secured during last month's auction, despite seven players from the nation being on the list. KKR signed him for INR 9.20 crore, a record transfer fee for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the tournament's history. Read more: Khawaja calls out racial stereotypes in powerful farewell address While earlier reports indicated the BCCI was awaiting government guidance regarding the participation of Bangladeshi players, this latest directive confirms the board's final stance on the matter.

In an emotive farewell address ahead of his final Test match, Usman Khawaja has delivered a stark message about the racial prejudices that still exist within Australian cricket. While confirming his retirement at the SCG, the 39-year-old took aim at the “double standards” he faced during his career, particularly during the recent Ashes series. Khawaja said that the intense scrutiny he received after missing the Perth Test due to back spasms. Critics had linked the injury to him playing golf in the days leading up to the match. Khawaja rejected this, suggesting the criticism questioned his work ethic in a way that wouldn’t happen to other players. “These are the same racial stereotypes I've grown up with my whole life,” Khawaja said. “It wasn't even about my performances. It was quite personal.” He drew a sharp comparison to how other Australian cricketers are treated. “I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners the night before and then gotten injured, no one said a word. That’s all right – they are just being Aussie larrikins,” he noted. “But when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility.” Despite the frustration, Khawaja acknowledged that the sport has become more welcoming since his debut 15 years ago. As a key figure in Cricket Australia's Multicultural Action Plan, his goal has been to smooth the path for future players of diverse backgrounds. “What I'm hoping is the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a little bit easier,” he explained. “And then we get to a point... that the journey for an Usman Khawaja is the same as it is for a John Smith.” Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg backed the veteran batter, admitting the sport still has work to do but praising Khawaja for leaving a legacy “far deeper than his on-field contribution.”