The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched an official investigation into a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match between Shinepukur Cricket Club and Gulshan Cricket Club following widespread criticism over two controversial dismissals that have raised suspicions of foul play. The match, held at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday, drew public ire after footage circulated on social media showing Shinepukur’s batter Minhazul Abedin Sabbir being stumped in an unusually questionable manner. Gulshan’s off-spinner Naeem Islam bowled a delivery well outside the off-stump as Sabbir advanced down the pitch. Despite having time to ground his bat, Sabbir kept it suspiciously hovering in the air even after the wicketkeeper initially failed to dislodge the bails. The late dismissal ensured Gulshan’s narrow five-run win and their qualification for the Super League round. Gujarat goes top of the IPL with a big win over Rajasthan Another incident earlier in the 36th over added to the controversy. Shinepukur’s Rahim Ahmed appeared to make no real effort to defend or leave a wide-turning delivery, instead returning to the pavilion without attempting to play a shot or return to the crease properly. The BCB, responding swiftly to the public outcry and viral videos, issued a media statement confirming an investigation. “The BCB reiterates its commitment to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the game. Any incident that undermines the spirit of cricket will be dealt with under our zero-tolerance policy,” the board said. The Anti-Corruption Unit and the DPL Technical Committee have already begun reviewing the match for potential violations. “The BCB will take appropriate measures based on the findings of the investigation,” the statement added. Mohammedan, Abahani cruise to commanding wins in DPL Former national cricketers, including Shahriar Nafees and Shamsur Rahman, publicly expressed dismay, noting the dismissals “shameful” and “unacceptable.”  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced the squad for the opening Test of the two-match home series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on 20 April at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will take place in Chattogram from 28 April. The major talking point from the announcement is the absence of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who misses out due to injury. BCB’s Senior Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury confirmed that the pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a left Achilles tendon issue and has not been deemed fit for the series. James Pamment appointed as Bangladesh’s new fielding coach In Taskin’s absence, 22-year-old Tanzim Hasan Sakib has earned his maiden Test call-up. The right-arm fast bowler has represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball matches but is yet to feature in the longest format.  The Test series is the beginning of a packed international calendar for Bangladesh, with the team set to play continuous cricket through early 2027. Bangladesh squad for first Zimbabwe Test:  Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed its gratitude to Mahmudullah Riyad for his contributions to the national team, following his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Mahmudullah, one of Bangladesh’s most dependable cricketers, ended an 18-year career, during which he played 430 international matches across formats, scoring 11,047 runs and taking 166 wickets. He also holds the record for hitting the most centuries (4) by a Bangladeshi batter in ICC events and ranks among the country’s top run-scorers in ODIs and T20Is. BCB President Faruque Ahmed acknowledged Mahmudullah’s impact on Bangladesh cricket, describing him as a pillar of strength for the team for nearly two decades. “This is a sombre moment for Bangladesh cricket,” Faruque said in a statement. “Mahmudullah’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure made him an invaluable asset. His dedication and achievements will serve as a benchmark for future generations.” The allrounder also led the national team in six Test matches and 43 T20 internationals. Mahmudullah opts out as BCB’s new contract announced His standout performances include back-to-back centuries in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, which played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic quarterfinal run. The announcement of Mahmudullah’s retirement came days after Mushfiuqr Rahim, another Bangladesh stalwart, announced his retirement from ODIs. Despite retiring from international cricket, Mahmudullah will continue playing in the domestic circuit

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has opted out of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) central contract, which was officially announced on Monday. While BCB had initially included him in the contract for 2025, the veteran cricketer requested to be removed. Mahmudullah, who has already retired from Test and T20I cricket, recently endured a difficult campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy. His longtime teammate Mushfiqur Rahim, who also struggled in the tournament, announced his ODI retirement on March 5. However, Mushfiqur remains in the central contract under Category ‘A’ but will be moved to Category ‘B’ starting this month. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is the only player in the highest category, ‘A+’, earning a monthly salary of BDT 10 lakh. BCB thanks Mushfiqur Rahim for remarkable ODI career Young pacer Nahid Rana has been included in the central contract for the first time in Category ‘B’, while Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan have also earned their maiden contracts under Category ‘C’. Meanwhile, Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam have returned to the contract list after missing out last year. Several well-known names, including Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Zakir Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Nayeem Hasan, have been excluded from the contract. Updated Salary Categories for 2025: Category ‘A+’ (BDT 10 lakh/month): Taskin Ahmed. Category ‘A’ (BDT 8 lakh/month): Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (to move to ‘B’ from March). Category ‘B’ (BDT 6 lakh/month): Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mahmudullah (until March), Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana. “A mere social post wasn’t enough”: Tamim honours Mushfiqur after ODI retirement Category ‘C’ (BDT 4 lakh/month): Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Zakir Ali, Tanzid Hasan, Shariful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Mehedi Hasan. Category ‘D’ (BDT 2 lakh/month): Nasum Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed. 

Bangladesh's former captain, Tamim Iqbal’s participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy is still uncertain. After a meeting with the chief selector of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Tamim said he is expecting a decision in the next two to three days. Tamim Hossain of BKSP wins gold medal in Taiwan National School Athletics Tamim met with Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chief selector, on Wednesday in Sylhet. While meeting him, Tamim said he would make the call after discussing it with his family and well-wishers. With the deadline for submitting the 15-member Champions Trophy squad to the ICC approaching on January 12th, the selectors are keen to include Tamim after national team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, expressed his desire to have Tamim in the team. In the discussion with Tamim, other selection committee members also accompanied the chief selector. Tamim slams BCB over lack of investment in cricket infrastructure “Discussions don't always come up with immediate results,” Gazi Ashraf said during a media briefing in Sylhet. “Players may need to consult with friends, family, and well-wishers before making a comeback. We won't give a direct answer. We'll have to wait for the final decision.” Tamim played for the national team more than a year ago. It’ll be a surprising move for the fans if the left-handed batter decides to make a return to the national team now. Tamim heads to India amid speculation about commentary job

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has approved a salary increase for the women’s national cricket team as part of their new central contract for the 2024-25 season. The announcement came following the BCB’s 16th board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Under the revised structure, players in Grade A will now earn BDT 1,20,000 per month, a rise of BDT 20,000, while those in Grade B will receive BDT 1,00,000, also up by BDT 20,000. Grade C and D players will see their monthly salaries increase by BDT 10,000, to BDT 70,000 and BDT 60,000, respectively.  U-19 cricketers get cash bonus from BCB for Asia Cup triumph The central contract includes 18 players, with Sharmin Akter Supta, Murshida Khatun, Marufa Akter, and Rabeya receiving promotions to higher salary grades.  The BCB introduced a match and series-winning bonus system for the women’s team. Bonuses range from BDT 30,000 to BDT 1,00,000 depending on the ranking of the opposing team and match format.  To provide financial stability for a broader pool of players, the board has also launched the Women’s National Contract, covering 30 additional players outside the central contract.   “This step is a reflection of our effort to ensure the financial well-being of our women cricketers while motivating them to perform at the highest level,” Faruque Ahmed, the president of the BCB, said. Women cricketers in new national contract (2024-2025): Grade A: Nigar Sultana Joty, Farzana Haque, Ritu Moni, and Nahida Akter. Grade B:  the players are Fahima Khatun, Shamima Sultana, Sharmin Akter Supta, Murshida Khatun, Marufa Akter, and Rabeya. Grade C: Sobhana Mostary, Lata Mondol, Jahanara Alam, and Shoma Akter. Grade D: Disha Biswas, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, and Shathi Rani.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has left the door open for Shakib Al Hasan’s inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy squad but admitted to having no updates on the all-rounder’s current status about playing for Bangladesh. Speaking after a board meeting in Mirpur, Faruque acknowledged Shakib’s eligibility for selection but said his participation remains uncertain.  “Shakib’s case is a completely different matter. This isn’t new. During the last series against the West Indies, he wasn’t mentally prepared to play, so he didn’t travel. Now, whether he will play in the BPL is something only he can decide. I don’t have any updates on his situation,” Faruque told reporters.  Despite Shakib’s absence from recent series and his retirement from Tests and T20Is, Faruque reiterated that as long as a player has not retired, they remain available for selection.  However it is doubtful whether Shakib could be minded to officially announce his retirement anymore, after the hostile reaction to his desire to retire from Test cricket by appearing in the home series against South Africa last month. U-19 cricketers get cash bonus from BCB for Asia Cup triumph On Tamim Iqbal, who has been out of the national side for over a year, Faruque said the decision lies with the selectors. “The chief selector has already spoken about Tamim. There’s no special policy yet. If a player hasn’t retired and the selectors feel they are needed, they will engage in discussions with that player,” he explained. In the ongoing inaugural edition of the National Cricket League T20, Tamim showed promising form. But his participation in the Champions Trophy, which will be held next February 2025 in Pakistan, remains uncertain. Tamim had announced his retirement from T20Is in 2022. In 2023, he stunningly announced his retirement from international cricket, but was persuaded to take back that announcement in 24 hours by deposed autocrat Sheikh Hasina.  

Bangladesh superstar Shakib Al Hasan, one of cricket's greatest all rounders, has been barred from bowling in international cricket and domestic competitions, following an independent assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre in the United Kingdom. The suspension, effective immediately, draws on one applying to competitions under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that came to light recently. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has now been made to understand the wider implication of that ban. Victory Day friendly cricket on Monday in Mirpur According to a BCB media release, it has received communication from the ECB confirming that the suspension is in line with clause 11.3 of the ICC regulations for illegal bowling actions. According to this regulation, if a player is banned from bowling by a National Cricket Federation, the suspension is automatically enforced in international cricket and all other domestic competitions globally. ICC member countries' boards however may override the ban and allow someone in Shakib's position to bowl in competitions under their jurisdiction. It's a bizarre turn of events for the Bangladesh cricketer, who has plied his trade for at least 17 years in international cricket without raising eyebrows over his action. During this time, he has taken over 700 international wickets, including 246 in Test cricket. For him to be barred from bowling at the age of 37 suggests something has changed in his action. While Shakib is barred from bowling, he remains eligible to play as a batter in all formats of cricket. The BCB said that Shakib will soon undergo reassessment at an ICC-accredited center, and a clearance would allow him to resume bowling in international cricket and in competitions governed by other National Cricket Federations. Bangladesh add Nahid Rana to T20I squad against West Indies “The BCB is in regular contact with the ECB, the ICC, and the player throughout this process,” the board said in its media release, mentioning that no further comments would be made at this time. Shakib’s bowling action was initially flagged during his participation in a competition under the ECB’s jurisdiction. The ICC-accredited testing revealed irregularities, leading to his suspension. However, as per clause 11.4 of the ICC regulations, a successful reassessment could overturn the decision. Shakib’s forthcoming reassessment will determine when he can resume bowling. Until then, Shakib is expected to continue to play as a batter.  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the launch of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 edition on Saturday, aiming to provide a platform for local cricketers to prove their talent and prepare for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).   The tournament, officially named the Al-Arafah Islami Bank NCL T20 Powered by Walton, will take place from December 11 to 24.    The tournament's logo was unveiled at a ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The BCB President Faruk Ahmed, BCB Director Fahim Sinha, and representatives from the sponsors were present at the program.    A total of eight teams, including seven divisional teams and Dhaka Metro, will participate in the NCL T20.    The league matches will be played at the Sylhet Divisional Stadium and Sylhet Divisional Stadium Outer Ground, while the playoffs and the final will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.   BCB President Faruk Ahmed emphasised the tournament's importance in providing local cricketers with a platform to prove themselves ahead of the BPL.   He expressed his hope that the players would seize this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the development of T20 cricket in Bangladesh.   The sponsors expressed their enthusiasm for being part of the tournament and their commitment to supporting cricket in Bangladesh.   The matches will be broadcast live on T Sports, the country's first and only sports channel, with at least 18 matches televised. All matches will also be available on the T Sports app. In addition, the matches will be streamed on the OTT platform FanCode in India and on the T Sports YouTube channel for the rest of the world.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced a 16-member Bangladesh Under-17 Cricket team to tour Sri Lanka for playing two three-day and three one- day matches against their Lanka counterpart. Bangladesh team expected to leave here for the Island nation Sri Lanka on Thursday (November 21). Former national cricketer Tushar Imran was named as  the coach of Bangladesh U-17 team. Touring Bangladesh team will start their campaign through a one-day series taking on hosts Sri Lanka on November 24, 26 and 28. They will play the first three- day match from December 1-3 and the 2nd and last three dayer on December 6-8. Members of Bangladesh U-17 team: Ferdous Kabir, Abdullah Al Mohi, Hridoy Hossain, Farhan Sadik, Adrit Ghose, Ehsanul Haque Mahim, Rakibul Hasan, Rakib Khan, Mahinuzzaman Mahbir, Atiqur Rahman Akash, Al  Amin Hossain, Abdur Rahim, Mahir Islam Chowdhury, Imran Hossain, Al Rafi and Sourav Karmakar. Four stand by players are: Ehsanul Momin, Mobassir Islam Munim, Faiyas Rehman and Kawser Ahmed.