United News of Bangladesh

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has disclosed that he was rejected for a coaching position in the Caribbean Premier League strictly because of his Pakistani nationality. Speaking on a recent cricket podcast, Mahmood detailed how a CPL franchise offered him a coaching role shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the offer was subsequently pulled when the team management informed him that they were not permitted to hire Pakistani coaches or players. Rain washes out T20 World Cup Super Eight opener between Pakistan- New Zealand Mahmood, who holds British citizenship and possesses extensive coaching experience in both the English county setup and the Pakistan national team, highlighted a growing barrier in global franchise cricket. He noted that as IPL-based ownership groups expand their reach into tournaments like the SA20 and Major League Cricket, securing opportunities has become increasingly difficult for Pakistani players and coaching staff. This revelation comes amid reports that four Indian-owned franchises in England's The Hundred tournament might actively avoid signing Pakistani cricketers in the upcoming draft. Pakistan, New Zealand clash in high-stakes Super Eight opener The England and Wales Cricket Board has responded by warning franchises that while it cannot dictate player purchases, any proof of discriminatory selection practices will trigger strict disciplinary actions and potential independent regulatory investigations. Prominent figures in English cricket have also voiced their disapproval. Current white-ball captain Harry Brook described the potential exclusion of Pakistani players from The Hundred as a sad development, while former captain Michael Vaughan firmly asserted that geopolitical issues must remain separate from cricketing decisions.

Dhaka, May 14 (UNB)- Former General Secretary of Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) and Chief Editor of online portal Campuslive24.com Azhar Mahmood died on Sunday at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital in the capital. He was 53.    Journalist Azhar was undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis.  He is survived by his wife and a son.      The CRAB's Executive Committee and all the members are deeply shocked for his sudden and untimely death.      CRAB president Mirza Mehdi Tamal and general secretary Mamunur Rashid along with the leaders of the executive committee expressed grief over his death and extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.      Azhar has been in the field of journalism for almost three decades, started journalism with Voice of America. Later he worked with the Dainik Bangla Bazar Patrika, Dainik Manabzamin, Boishakhi Television and BTV.      He hailed from Madan upazila of Netrakona district.     END/UNB/MJ/JA