United News of Bangladesh

Former Scotland, Nottingham Forest and Derby County winger John Robertson, once hailed by legendary manager Brian Clough as “a Picasso of our game,” has died at the age of 72. Robertson was a central figure in Nottingham Forest’s golden era, scoring the winning goal as the club defended the European Cup against Hamburg in 1980. He had also delivered the cross for Trevor Francis’ decisive goal in the 1979 final against Malmo. At international level, Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland, scoring a memorable winner against England in 1981 and finding the net against New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup finals. Born in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, Robertson joined Forest in 1970 and became a key player under Clough after initially being listed for transfer. Between 1976 and 1980, he made 243 consecutive appearances for the club and scored the decisive penalty in the 1978 League Cup final replay win over Liverpool. He later moved to Derby County in 1983, though injuries limited his impact, and brief returns to Forest and non-league football followed. With Forest, Robertson won multiple domestic and European honours, including league titles, two League Cups and the Uefa Super Cup. In 2015, he was voted the club’s greatest-ever player in a Nottingham Post poll. After retiring, Robertson enjoyed a successful coaching career as assistant to Martin O’Neill at several clubs, including Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa, winning league titles and domestic cups in Scotland and helping guide Leicester to top-flight promotion.   With inputs from BBC

The owners of Chattogram Royals have relinquished control of the franchise just a day before the start of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).  They failed to meet financial obligations to players, leaving BCB to step in and take temporary charge of the team. The franchise owner, Abdul Kaiyum, informed the BPL Governing Council of his decision in a letter submitted to the board, citing an inability to secure sponsors and pay player salaries. Under BPL regulations, the responsibility of the franchise now falls to the board.  “We have received a letter,” BPL Governing Council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman said to media. . “We are now discussing the situation with the players and reviewing how to proceed. According to the rules, the board is expected to take responsibility.” BCB director and chairman of the board’s media and communication department, Amzad Hussain, confirmed the takeover to UNB. “They are unable to continue as the owner of the team,” Amzad said. “They were also unable to make the necessary payments, so the BCB is taking over the team. Since there is no time to appoint a new owner, this was the only option.” Chattogram Royals were awarded to Triangular Services by the BCB, but the franchise had been surrounded by uncertainty since the beginning. Under BPL regulations, franchises are required to pay at least 25 percent of player contracts before the tournament begins. That payment was not made, according to officials.

Indonesia cricketer Gede Priandana created history on Tuesday by becoming the first player to take five wickets in a single over in a men’s Twenty20 international. The seam-bowling allrounder achieved the remarkable feat during Indonesia’s match against Cambodia in Bali, with the visitors struggling at 106-5. Priandana began the over by dismissing opener Shah Abrar Hussain, who had scored 37, and completed a hat trick shortly afterward. After delivering a dot ball, he removed the final two Cambodian batters on either side of a wide — the only run conceded in the over. Cambodia were bowled out for 107, collapsing dramatically under Priandana’s spell. The achievement took his overall T20 international wicket tally to 24. Bangladesh to call back Mustafizur for key ODIs amid his IPL tenure Priandana also contributed with the bat, scoring six runs in Indonesia’s total of 167-5. Fellow opener Dharma Kesuma led the batting display with a dominant unbeaten 110, smashing six sixes. For Cambodia, India-born Luqman Butt top-scored with a rapid 48 from 30 balls, including four sixes, but his effort was not enough to prevent defeat. Source: AP 

Defending champions Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in commanding fashion with a 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, while fellow title contenders Nigeria labored to a narrow 2-1 win against Tanzania. Nicolas Jackson struck twice as Senegal dominated from start to finish, living up to their pre-tournament billing. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye sealed the win late on, though Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko prevented a heavier defeat with a series of fine saves as the Zebras spent long spells under pressure with a five-man defense. “We have to keep going like this,” said Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. “There are no easy opening matches.” In contrast, Nigeria’s performance raised questions despite securing all three points in Group C. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a header from Alex Iwobi’s cross, but Charles M’Mombwa equalized early in the second half against the run of play. Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead, yet the Super Eagles struggled to regain control. “We are satisfied with the three points. That is the most important,” said Nigeria coach Éric Chelle. Victor Osimhen, who earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, showed visible frustration when substituted late on. Neymar undergoes minor knee surgery, aims for World Cup return Senegal, winners in 2021, could have scored more at the rain-soaked Grand Stade de Tanger, where just over 18,500 fans attended amid cold, wet conditions. Jackson finally broke through before halftime and added his second after the break before Ndiaye completed the rout in stoppage time. Elsewhere in Group C, Tunisia sent a warning to Nigeria with a 3-1 win over Uganda, inspired by two goals from Elias Achouri. In Group D, Théo Bongonda’s early strike gave Congo a 1-0 victory over Benin. Nigeria face Tunisia next on Saturday as the tournament continues. Source: AP 

Brazilian star Neymar has undergone minor surgery on his left knee, Santos FC announced Monday. The 33-year-old forward underwent a minimally invasive arthroscopy performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, who also works with the Brazil national team, to address lingering joint issues that sidelined him from several matches this year. Speaking at a music event in Sao Paulo last weekend, Neymar expressed hope of playing in the upcoming World Cup and scoring in the final. “We will do the impossible to bring this cup to Brazil. In July, you can remind us of it. Hi, Ancelotti, helps us out!” he said, addressing Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has yet to announce his squad. Neymar has been recovering from an ACL tear sustained in October 2023 during World Cup qualifying. After returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, he played 19 of 38 Serie A matches this year, scoring eight goals, which helped the team avoid relegation.

New Zealand seized control of the third Test against the West Indies on the final day, claiming five wickets in the opening session on Monday to edge closer to victory and a 2-0 series triumph. West Indies openers Brandon King and John Campbell initially resisted the hosts, batting out the first hour of play. However, New Zealand turned the match decisively in their favor as four wickets fell within six overs, followed by another just before lunch. At the interval, West Indies were 99-5, still needing 363 runs after being set a daunting target of 462. New Zealand required five more wickets in the remaining two sessions. Shai Hope was unbeaten on 2, while captain Roston Chase was on 1. Fast bowler Kemar Roach remained doubtful to bat due to a hamstring injury. Resuming on 43 without loss, King and Campbell extended their stand by another 16 overs before both were dismissed within five deliveries. Jacob Duffy broke through by removing King, who resumed on 37 and went on to score 67, including a fluent half-century off 63 balls. King was caught at gully by Glenn Phillips after a short ball climbed sharply. Campbell followed soon after, scoring 16 from 105 balls, when he attempted to attack Ajaz Patel but was caught by Phillips at mid-on. Kavem Hodge fell for a duck, brilliantly caught by Rachin Ravindra at short leg off Patel, triggering a collapse that saw three wickets fall for just one run. Duffy then dismissed Alick Athanaze for 2, drawing an edge to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell after softening him up with short-pitched bowling. New Zealand openers set Test records against West Indies The sudden burst of wickets halted a run of record-setting opening partnerships. When the stand ended at 87, the teams were just three runs short of the record for the highest combined opening partnerships in a first-class match. The contest had also been close to becoming the first since 1960 in which all four opening partnerships passed 100. Source: AP

Goals from Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal powered La Liga leaders Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Villarreal on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points over Real Madrid. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 12th minute after earning a penalty while cutting inside the box. The Brazilian forward calmly converted with a slow run-up, sending goalkeeper Luiz Junior the wrong way for his seventh league goal of the season and Barcelona’s 50th in La Liga. Yamal doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing from close range following a goalmouth scramble set up by Frenkie de Jong. It was also the 16-year-old’s seventh league goal this campaign. The win marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive victory in all competitions under coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan club, however, was without defender Andreas Christensen, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training on Saturday. Villarreal’s hopes faded late in the first half when defender Renato Veiga received a straight red card for a forceful challenge from behind on Yamal, who required brief treatment before continuing. The result allowed Atletico Madrid to climb into third place after a convincing 3-0 win away to Girona, having played two more matches than Villarreal. Thiago Silva parts ways with Fluminense, targets European return Atletico took the lead in the 13th minute through Koke, who struck a superb half-volley from outside the area. Jan Oblak later produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Axel Witsel. Conor Gallagher doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a long-range effort that deflected past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, while Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win in stoppage time with a composed finish. Girona remain in the relegation zone. Elsewhere, Elche thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0 and Real Betis defeated Getafe by the same margin. On Saturday, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé marked his 27th birthday by scoring his 59th goal of 2025, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most goals in a calendar year. Source: AP 

Host nation Morocco began the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in style on Sunday, defeating Comoros 2-0 as fans and members of the royal family watched from the stands. Ayoub El Kaabi produced the standout moment of the night with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute to secure the win, drawing loud applause from Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who attended the opening match and greeted both teams before kickoff. Despite being heavy favorites, Morocco faced stiff resistance from Comoros, ranked 108th globally. The visitors frustrated the home side for much of the match, with goalkeeper Yannick Pandor denying Soufiane Rahimi from the penalty spot early on. The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when Brahim Díaz found the net, easing the tension inside the stadium. El Kaabi later sealed the result with his acrobatic finish. Morocco suffered an early setback when captain Romain Saïss was forced off with an injury, leaving the pitch in tears. Coach Walid Regragui said the extent of the injury was still unclear. Regular captain Achraf Hakimi remained on the bench as a precaution after recovering from an ankle problem but appeared before kickoff to present his African Footballer of the Year award to supporters. Mbappé equals Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record with 59 goals in a year The opening ceremony featured performances by Angélique Kidjo, Jaylann and Lartiste amid a vibrant light show, with rain failing to dampen the festive atmosphere. Morocco, ranked 11th in the world and Africa’s top-ranked team, is chasing its second AFCON title since 1976. The final is scheduled for Jan 18. The tournament is being staged across nine venues in six cities, including the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Egypt begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, while defending champions Ivory Coast face Mozambique on Wednesday. The Confederation of African Football has also confirmed the tournament will shift to a four-year cycle in line with the FIFA calendar. Source: AP 

Ticket sales for the Sylhet phase of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will begin on Sunday, December 21. Fans are now able to purchase seats exclusively through an online platform, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced. The tickets, which go on sale from 4:00 pm, will be available only via the official website, www.gobcbticket.com.bd. No physical tickets will be sold at stadium booths, marking a fully digital approach to ticketing for the Sylhet leg of the tournament. Prices for matches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium range from BDT 200 to BDT 2,000, depending on seating category. All grandstand seats—Upper East, Upper West, Lower East and Lower West—are priced at BDT 2,000. Tickets for the Club House (Upper) cost BDT 500, while the Shaheed Abu Sayed Stand is priced at BDT 250. The Shaheed Turab Stand and Green Gallery or Green Hill areas are set at BDT 200 each. A separate Club House “Zero Waste Zone” has been priced at BDT 600. The release of tickets comes as the BCB confirmed that the tournament’s opening ceremony will be held on a smaller scale in Sylhet, rather than in Dhaka as initially planned. The board revised its original plan due to security concerns. The 12th edition of the BPL will be played across three venues—Sylhet, Chattogram and Dhaka.

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made history by becoming the first opening pair in Test cricket to score centuries in both innings, putting the Kiwis in a commanding position against the West Indies in the third and final Test. Latham scored 137 and 101, while Conway added a second-innings 100 to his first-innings 227. Their partnership of 323 runs in the first innings contributed to a record 515-run total for an opening pair in a single Test match. Conway also joined an elite group of just 10 batters in Test history to score a double hundred and a hundred in the same match. Previous achievers include Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar, Graham Gooch, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara. Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 420, giving New Zealand a first-innings lead of 155 runs. Latham, Conway, Kane Williamson (40) and Rachin Ravindra (46) then guided the hosts to 306-2 before declaring, setting the visitors a daunting target of 462 for victory to level the series. At stumps, West Indies had reached 43 without loss, with John Campbell scoring two off 50 balls and Brandon King contributing 37.