United News of Bangladesh

Former Australian international cricketer Damien Martyn is in a serious condition at a hospital on the Gold Coast, Australian media reported on Wednesday. The 54-year-old, who represented Australia in 67 Test matches, fell ill in recent days. According to Nine Newspapers, Martyn has been placed in an induced coma as he battles meningitis. Gold Coast Health confirmed in a statement that he remains in serious condition at Gold Coast University Hospital. Tributes and messages of support have poured in from across the cricketing community. Former teammate Darren Lehmann posted on social media, sending prayers and urging Martyn to stay strong, while extending support to his family. Close friend and former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist told News Corp. that Martyn is receiving excellent medical care and that his partner Amanda and family are aware of the widespread goodwill and prayers being offered. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg also expressed concern, wishing Martyn a speedy recovery and saying the thoughts of the Australian cricket community are with him. Renowned for his elegant stroke play, Martyn averaged 46.37 in Test cricket. Born in Darwin, he made his Test debut at just 21 during the 1992–93 home series against the West Indies and later captained Western Australia at the age of 23. His highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005, one of his 13 centuries. Martyn played his final Test in the 2006–07 Ashes before moving into commentary. He also featured in 208 one-day internationals, was part of Australia’s 1999 and 2003 World Cup-winning squads, and famously scored an unbeaten 88 in the 2003 final despite a broken finger. Source: AP 

Approaching his 59th birthday in February, the world’s oldest active professional footballer is set to begin yet another chapter in his extraordinary career, entering what will be his 41st season. Kazuyoshi Miura, affectionately known as “King Kazu” in Japan, announced this week that he has signed with Fukushima United, a third-division J-League club. He joins the team on loan from Yokohama FC, following a season-long loan spell with fourth-tier side Atletico Suzuka, where he appeared in seven matches without finding the net. Miura’s career spans continents and decades. Since making his professional debut in 1986 with Brazil’s Santos — the legendary club associated with Pelé — he has played in leagues across Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, Portugal and Japan. In 2017, at the age of 50, Miura set a global milestone by becoming the oldest player to score in a professional match, surpassing a long-standing record held by former England great Stanley Matthews. A trailblazer for Japanese football, Miura was among the country’s first major soccer stars. During the 1990s, he was a key figure for Japan’s national team, scoring 55 goals in 89 appearances and helping raise the sport’s profile nationwide. Even as he nears 60, Miura continues to defy age, driven by an enduring passion for the game. Source: AP

All scheduled Federation Cup and women’s football league matches were suspended on Tuesday following the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed that both Federation Cup fixtures slated for the day were postponed as part of nationwide mourning. The Under-15 National Championship final, scheduled to be held in Noakhali, was also called off. In women’s football, three league matches due to be played at Kamalapur Stadium were suspended, with revised dates to be announced later. BFF vice-president Fahad Rahman said the media all sporting activities for the day had been halted out of respect. He added that it remained uncertain whether matches would resume the following day, as Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers were expected to be held on Wednesday. Khaleda’s Death: Govt announces 3-day state mourning, general holiday Wednesday Other national sports bodies, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), also issued condolence messages. Officials said further decisions on fixtures would depend on the duration of the official mourning period. Khaleda Zia, a two-time prime minister, died on Tuesday morning at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.    

Hugh Morris, former England cricketer and one-time chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has passed away at the age of 62. Glamorgan, the Welsh county team where Morris played much of his domestic cricket and served as captain, confirmed on Sunday that he died after battling bowel cancer during “extremely difficult” final years. An opening batsman, Morris made three appearances for England and played a pivotal role in Glamorgan’s 1997 county championship victory, which coincided with his retirement. Over his career, he scored 19,785 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 40.29. Following his playing career, Morris spent 16 years in administrative roles at the ECB, including a tenure as chief executive during a successful period for the men’s national team. He returned to Glamorgan in 2013 as CEO, helping the club overcome financial challenges and oversee the development of international-standard facilities at Sophia Gardens. Dan Cherry, Glamorgan’s current CEO, remembered Morris as “a great player, a tireless administrator, and a fine human being of great dignity and integrity.” He highlighted Morris’ legacy, including the stadium at Sophia Gardens and the establishment of the Welsh Fire franchise in The Hundred competition, both of which have positioned Welsh cricket for further growth in the coming decade. Morris’ contribution to both English and Welsh cricket, on and off the field, has left an enduring mark on the sport. Source: AP 

Defending champion Ivory Coast and five-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Cameroon played out a thrilling 1-1 draw on Sunday, while Algeria secured a spot in the last 16, with France legend Zinedine Zidane once again in attendance. Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo had a chance to snatch victory in the dying moments but was denied by Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou, who blocked the ball with his body. Both sides displayed determination throughout, with Cameroon showing unity under new coach David Pagou following the dismissal of Marc Brys amid a public dispute. The match in Marrakech saw Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo break the deadlock in the 51st minute with a curling strike, his second goal in two games. Cameroon equalized five minutes later via Junior Tchamadeu, whose deflected shot off Ivorian defender Ghislain Konan was recorded as an own goal. Both teams now sit on four points in Group F, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. A moment of silence was observed before the match for former Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who recently passed away. Elsewhere, Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0, with Riyad Mahrez converting a 23rd-minute penalty for his third goal in two games. The Fennec Foxes topped Group E with six points, advancing to the knockout round. Zidane watched from the stands alongside Algerian fans, while his son Luca saw limited action in goal due to a teammate’s injury. Senegal cruise past Botswana as Nigeria edge Tanzania in Africa Cup openers Sudan revived its hopes of progression with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca. The team faces Burkina Faso in their final group match on Wednesday, with a last-16 berth at stake, while Equatorial Guinea has been eliminated. The African tournament continues to produce intense clashes, with top teams aiming for progression and fans, including football legends, keeping a close eye on the action. Source: AP 

Bangladesh had hosted its first-ever stadium-based ultra endurance event, Dhaka Stadium Run 2025, at the National Stadium. Held from December 26 to 27, the 36-hour continuous race featured more than 350 runners, including foreign participants, competing in four categories—36, 24, 12 and 6 hours—under the slogan “Run for a Breathable Dhaka.” Ebad Ullah won the men’s 36-hour category and set a new national record by covering 233 kilometres, while Sifat Fahmida Eti claimed the women’s title. Winners were also crowned in the other categories across both divisions. Organised by Coastal Ultra Bangladesh with support from the Bangladesh Athletics Federation, the event was described by officials as a landmark step for endurance sports in the country.

Dhaka Capitals’ assistant coach Mahbub Ali passed away after collapsing on the field just minutes before the start of their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match against Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet on Saturday. He was taken to a hospital after the collapse where he died. The incident occurred during the warm-up session at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, around 20 minutes before the scheduled start. Players from both teams and coaching staff were present on the field when Mahbub Ali suddenly fell to the ground, prompting immediate concern and a brief commotion. In a short statement, Dhaka Capitals said Mahbub Ali felt unwell during training and collapsed on the field.He was given CPR at the venue before being taken to hospital. Despite the incident, the match went ahead as scheduled. Dhaka Capitals won the toss and chose to field against Rajshahi Warriors, with the team regaining focus shortly before play began.    

Chattogram Royals made a clear statement in their opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season. They cruised to a 65-run victory over Noakhali Express at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday night. Batting first after winning the toss, Chattogram posted a competitive 174 for six, built around a composed innings from Mirza Baig. The right-hand batter anchored the innings with 80 off 69 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes, and held the Royals together after early wickets. Mohammad Naim fell cheaply, but Baig found support from Mahfijul Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who kept the scoreboard moving through the middle overs. Captain Mahedi Hasan provided late momentum with a brisk 26 off 13 balls, lifting Chattogram past the 170 marks despite regular breakthroughs from Noakhali’s bowlers. Noakhali’s chase never gained traction. They lost three wickets inside the powerplay and were under constant pressure against a disciplined Chattogram attack. Maaz Sadaqat offered brief resistance with 38 off 27 balls, while Haider Ali added 28, but partnerships were short-lived. Mahedi Hasan led from the front with the ball, taking two wickets for 17 runs, while Shoriful Islam and Mukidul Islam struck at key moments. Tanvir Islam’s three-wicket spell further dismantled the chase as Noakhali collapsed to 109 all out in 16.5 overs.

Najmul Hossain Shanto opened the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a statement inning on Friday, becoming the first centurion of the season. He guided Rajshahi Warriors to an eight-wicket victory over Sylhet Titans in the tournament’s opening match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a challenging target of 191, Rajshahi reached 192 for 2 with two balls to spare, riding on an unbeaten 101 from Shanto, who anchored the chase with authority and control. The left-handed batter faced 60 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes, and paced the innings with assurance after early wickets threatened to slow the pursuit. Rajshahi lost both openers inside the powerplay, but Shanto steadied the innings before accelerating decisively. He found a reliable partner in Mushfiqur Rahim, who finished on 51 not out from 31 balls. Anamul serves legal notice after exclusion from BPL auction list The pair added an unbroken 130 runs for the third wicket, effectively shutting Sylhet out of the contest well before the final over. Earlier, Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for 5 after being sent in to bat. Parvez Hossain Emon led the charge with an unbeaten 65 from 33 balls, while Rony Talukdar contributed 41 and Afif Hossain added a brisk 33. Rajshahi’s bowlers, however, managed to contain the damage at the death, conceding just 10 runs across the final two overs.    

Australia collapsed for 152 yet still claimed a 42-run lead over England on the first innings in a remarkable opening day of the fourth Ashes test Friday in which 20 wickets fell. The day's play unfolded before a world-record crowd for a day of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The attendance figure of 94,199 beat the 93,013 for the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the MCG. Australia was 4-0 in its second innings at stumps, an overall lead of 46 runs, after having to bat through one nervous over before stumps. The 20 wickets on the first day was also a record for a Boxing Day test, beating the 18 in the 1998 Ashes match. The all-time test record is 27 for the 1888 Ashes test at Lord's. England lost each of the first three tests to allow Australia to retain the Ashes in just 11 days of on-field action. Josh Tongue claimed a career-best 5-45 as England bowled Australia out after winning the toss and bowling. In reply, England made 110 in 29.5 overs as Michael Neser grabbed 4-45. Tongue, in his eighth test, took three early wickets as Australia stumbled to 72-4 at lunch. Travis Head (12) and Jake Weatherald (10) fell cheaply as Australia reached 31-2 in the 10th over. Capitalizing on a pitch offering sideways movement, Tongue deceived Marnus Labuschagne (6) who edged to first slip at 34-3. In a key breakthrough, captain Steve Smith lost his middle stump while attempting to drive Tongue with the total on 51. “He’s an amazing player. I’ve grown up watching him,” Tongue said of Smith. “Getting him out is a very special feeling. It has been an amazing day of test-match cricket." Australia aimed to rebuild through veteran Usman Khawaja, but the 39-year-old was caught behind to Gus Atkinson’s bowling for 29 at 89-5. Alex Carey clipped a catch to leg gully two runs later. Neser (35) and Cameron Green (17) shared a 52-run partnership before Green hesitated and was run out at 143-7. Tongue was cheered off the field at tea after dismissing Neser and Scott Boland (0) with the first two deliveries of his 12th over, giving England’s spirits a boost after losing each of the first three tests. England was 8-3 in 4.2 overs as Zak Crawley (5), Jacob Bethell (2) and Ben Duckett (2) all departed in an action-packed opening to the innings. When Joe Root was caught behind for a duck off the bowling of Neser at 16-4 at the end of the eighth over, Harry Brook charged the next delivery from Mitchell Starc and clubbed it over mid-off for six. Brook bravely belted 41 off 34 balls including two fours and two sixes, adding 50 for the fifth wicket with Stokes. Boland (3-30) dismissed Brook, Jamie Smith (2) and Will Jacks (5) in three consecutive overs as England slumped to 77-7. Neser struck a key blow in the following over when skipper Ben Stokes (16) was caught at slip. England’s innings closed with just enough time for Australia to face the one over before stumps. Neser said with 20 wickets falling, Friday had been “a bit of a whirlwind." “I dreamed of this as a kid. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it,” he said. England named its team on Wednesday with the big news the loss of star bowler Jofra Archer for the rest of the series, including the fifth and final test starting Jan. 4 in Sydney.