United News of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, cricket is far more than a national obsession. Combined with its enormous commercial appeal, the game has been converted into the ultimate political currency. The recent dissolution of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the lightning-fast installation of a politically connected ad-hoc committee exposes a harsh reality: governments may change, but the state or ruling dispensation's suffocating grip on the country's most popular sport remains completely unbroken. For decades, ruling regimes have understood that controlling cricket is a way to control the masses. During Sheikh Hasina's long period of rule, which is often called an authoritarian regime by political analysts, the BCB functioned as little more than a direct wing of the state machinery. The partisan dominance was absolute. It spread into every level of the administration, from the high-level boardroom decisions down to the stadium gates. It reached a point where the national team was actually led by sitting members of parliament. This wasn't a coincidence; it was a strategy to use the sport as a populist tool, designed to unify a fractured public under the ruling party's banner while masking the government’s deeper failures. When the Awami League government collapsed in August 2024, the BCB naturally fell into chaos. The power vacuum led to the emergence of a new board headed by Aminul Islam Bulbul, formed under the watch of the interim government. It was sold to the public as a necessary transition to keep the sport stable. However, in the tough landscape of Bangladeshi sports politics, this board quickly became a target for the next political force waiting in the wings. This week, the National Sports Council (NSC)—now operating under the newly elected BNP-led government—dissolved Aminul’s board. They cited severe electoral fraud and manipulation as the reason. While the allegations of rigged e-voting and administrative coercion are serious, the underlying motive feels far too familiar to anyone watching. Govt dissolves BCB board over election fraud; Tamim appointed as interim head This ouster doesn't look like a crusade for transparency; it looks like a calculated purge. It is a move to erase the interim government's footprint and allow a new regime to capture the board's massive resources and public influence. The makeup of the new 11-member ad-hoc committee, led by former national captain Tamim Iqbal, shows this political reality clearly. While they are tasked with holding a fair election within three months, the committee is heavily stacked with the immediate family members of senior BNP figures—including the sons of both the Home Minister and the Finance Minister, alongside a BNP-affiliated lawyer. The faces in the boardroom have changed, but the structural strategy is identical: a new political net has simply been cast over the BCB. This cyclical power grab shows a deep hypocrisy within the nation's sports administration. The very same political factions that spent years condemning the Awami League for weaponizing the cricket board are now eagerly sharing the rewards of winning using the exact same government tools. Ousted BCB chief Aminul denounces board dissolution as ‘constitutional coup,’ appeals to ICC The NSC's intervention is a blunt instrument of control, one that flagrantly ignores the International Cricket Council's (ICC) strict rules against government interference. Yet, the usual threat of an ICC suspension for state interference might be empty this time around. The sport's global governing body is currently chaired by the powerful Indian administrator Jay Shah, and his leadership operates against a very sensitive geopolitical backdrop. During the interim government’s time, Aminul’s board drew New Delhi's ire by refusing to play in India during the last T20 World Cup, citing legitimate security concerns amid growing tensions between the two countries. The diplomatic standoff erupted shortly after Indian authorities forced the Kolkata Knightriders to terminate Mustafizur Rahman's contract to play for them in this year's IPL, cricket's biggest money-spinner, claiming unspecified security risks. Hanging heavily over these athletic disputes was a glaring political reality: ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—accused of planning the deaths of over 1,400 citizens during the July mass uprising—was actively being sheltered in Delhi. Because Aminul’s public defiance directly challenged the Indian cricket establishment, the current ICC leadership may be perfectly willing to turn a blind eye to the NSC’s action, which was called a “bureaucratic coup” by Aminul. It is a situation where geopolitical retribution might be allowed to quietly override the ICC’s own governance statutes. While politicians, ex-players, and their proxies battle for control of the lucrative BCB chair, the actual development of the sport is being pushed to the side. In Bangladesh, regimes rise and fall, but the cricket board remains a captured prize, trapped in a vicious cycle of political patronage that it cannot seem to escape. Ultimately, this endless political tug-of-war leaves the sport itself as the biggest casualty.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal may have stepped away from the national team, but his passion for the game remains undimmed. At an event of the launch of the Bangladesh District and Divisional Sports Organisers Association, Tamim shifted attention to local responsibility. Speaking to organizers and former athletes, Tamim criticized cricket board members who fail to contribute to the game in their own districts. “If someone can’t improve cricket in their own area, they have no business being on the board,” he said firmly. Zawad century powers Bangladesh U-19 to big win extending series lead Tamim said that cricket is Bangladesh’s biggest sport and deserves leadership from people who understand the game and care about its future. Without mentioning names, he called for greater accountability and grassroots investment, stressing that real development must begin at the local level.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and a group of other senior cricketers met the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed on Friday to express frustration over recent decisions that they believe undermine the dignity of players and damage the integrity of the game. Their concerns centre around three key issues, including inconsistent disciplinary actions against Towhid Hridoy, a national team player, who has been playing for the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing season of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Initially, Towhid was handed a two-match ban for misbehavior towards an umpire, the BCB's umpires committee unilaterally reduced the suspension to one match—overstepping their authority. After Towhid played two matches, the BCB reversed course and imposed the ban again, which has prompted Tamim to describe the move as “absurd” and “unjustifiable.” “This process makes no sense,” Tamim told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “He served the penalty already. How can they now ban him again?” The players were also disturbed by a recent anti-corruption enactment involving two cricketers reenacting an alleged fixing incident in front of media—an act they labeled humiliating and unprecedented. Along with all these, the premature leak of 10 players’ names accused of fixing in the BPL also drew criticism from the cricketers. New Zealand to invest in a new franchise in US-based Major League Cricket “What if some of them are innocent?” Tamim questioned. “Publishing names before an investigation is a violation of basic rights.” Urging urgent action, Tamim said that players are the sport’s biggest stakeholders. “This needs immediate resolution,” he said, following a tense meeting with BCB officials. “The board must treat players with the respect they deserve.”

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal returned home from hospital on Friday, four days after suffering a heart attack during a domestic cricket match and undergoing emergency medical treatment. Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, who oversaw Tamim’s treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, confirmed that Tamim was discharged. “He will have to maintain a rehabilitation programme,” Dr. Shahabuddin said in a press briefing on Friday. Tamim had fallen ill on March 24 while leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a Dhaka Premier League match at the BKSP grounds in Savar. After initially experiencing chest pain — which he believed to be gastric discomfort — he was rushed to a nearby hospital. There, doctors detected a blockage in one of his arteries and performed a stenting procedure to restore blood flow. His condition was initially critical, but he improved steadily over the next few days. Before being shifted to the capital, Tamim was able to walk and speak with family members. Hamza leaves to rejoin his EPL club  Tamim, who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, shared a heartfelt message with fans earlier this week, thanking them for their prayers and support. “I offer my heartfelt gratitude and love to all of you. Please keep me and my family in your prayers,” he wrote. Tamim is Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in international cricket, with over 15,000 runs across all formats.

BNP organised a milad-mahfil on Tuesday to pray for the speedy recovery of former national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal. The event was jointly arranged by the BNP Dhaka North and South City units at the party’s Nayapaltan central office in the city. Addressing the function as the chief guest, BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said party acting chairman Tarique Rahman is regularly inquiring about Tamim’s health.  The programme was organised on his instructions. Mirza Abbas said Tamim needs better treatment. Ulama Dal Dhaka south city unit joint convener Abdus Samad conducted the prayer seeking the blessings for Tamim Iqbal , BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul warns of future election campaigns dominated by large vehicle convoys BNP sports affairs secretary and its Dhaka north city unit convener Aminul Haque,  BNP Dhaka south city unit convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu and member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Rabin also spoke on the occasion. Tamim was hospitalised after he suffered a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) ground in Savar on Monday morning. He regained consciousness after undergoing a stent procedure at a hospital in Savar. While leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP, Tamim experienced chest pain shortly after the toss. He was initially treated on the field and then rushed to the nearby KPJ Specialist Hospital, where a blockage in his heart was detected. On Tuesday, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abu Jafar said Tamim Iqbal's health condition has improved, but it will take at least three months for him to return to regular sporting activities.

In his first public statement since suffering a heart attack during a domestic cricket match, former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal on Tuesday thanked well-wishers, medical professionals, and the Almighty for helping him survive what he called an unexpected and life-altering episode. Taking to his official Facebook page, Tamim reflected on how fragile life can be, sharing a heartfelt message filled with gratitude and introspection. “Yesterday, when I started the day, did I know what was about to happen to me? No,” he wrote. “By the mercy of Allah and everyone’s prayers, I have come back.” Tamim recounted how, two years ago during Ramadan, he met a friend named Anup, whose father could not undergo heart surgery even after four years. That memory, he said, returned sharply in light of his own experience. Tamim advised to stay at KPJ Hospital for observation “The rhythm of the heart is what keeps us alive. Yet we often forget that it can stop without any warning,” he added. Tamim suffered the heart attack on Monday while leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a Dhaka Premier League match at BKSP. He was initially thought to be suffering from gastric pain, but his condition deteriorated, prompting an emergency transfer to KPJ Specialized Hospital in Gazipur, where doctors found a blockage in his heart. He underwent angioplasty and had a stent placed. His condition is now stable but remains under 72-hour observation. In his post, Tamim acknowledged the team of “extraordinary people” whose quick thinking and tireless efforts helped him overcome the crisis. He urged everyone to support each other in times of need and expressed hope that such moments would remind people of life’s unpredictability and brevity. “Without your love, I am nothing,” Tamim said in closing, requesting prayers for himself and his family.

Former captain of the Bangladesh national team and the captain of Fortune Barishal in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Tamim Iqbal, reached 8000 runs in T20s as the first Bangladeshi batter. The left-handed batter achieved the milestone of 8,000 runs on Thursday during his innings of 40 against Rangpur Riders in their BPL match in Sylhet. Before taking the field on Thursday, Tamim had 7991 runs to his name in this format of cricket. Tamim reached the milestone in his 272nd match and 271st innings in T20 cricket. He now has 8031 runs at an average of 32.91 and a strike rate of 121.27, including four centuries. Read: Tamim ponders Champions Trophy return amidst retirement rumours Most of the runs Tamim scored came for the Bangladesh national team where he scored 1701 runs. In BPL, Tamim is the all-time highest scorer with more than 3500 runs. He also has more than 600 runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, a regular face in the commentary box during the ongoing India-Bangladesh series, expressed concerns that infrastructural shortcomings are hindering the development of Bangladesh cricket. Tamim gave an interview to the Indian sports magazine, Sportstar, where he candidly discussed his retirement, potential return to international cricket, his relationship with Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's continued struggles in Test matches, and the factors impeding the cricketing progress of Bangladesh. In the extensive interview, Tamim also addressed the possibility of a Bangladeshi coach leading the national team. The former captain, who has scored over 15,000 runs and 25 centuries in international cricket, said that the lack of adequate facilities in Dhaka is a big factor to the slow development of Bangladesh cricket. “I made my debut in 2006-2007, and as we speak in 2024, not a single new training facility has been developed in Dhaka over the past 17 years,” Tamim said while discussing the areas Bangladesh cricket needs to focus on for growth. “Some aspects in Bangladesh are fine, but most need to change.” Tamim was critical of the board's financial management. The previous board president, Nazmul Hasan, often boasted about the board having hundreds of crores of taka in the bank to indicate the financial strength of the board. However, Tamim believes that instead of accumulating money in bank accounts, the board should invest it in developing infrastructure. “The funniest thing is that when the BCB claims to have Rs 1200 crore in its bank account, it feels like a slap in the face,” Tamim said. “There shouldn’t be 1200 crore sitting idle; there should be 200 crore in the account, and the remaining 1000 should be invested in developing infrastructure.” He added that corporate entities typically reinvest their earnings to facilitate growth, something the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) fails to do. The left-handed batter also questioned the absence of another facility in Dhaka comparable to the one in Mirpur and advocated for the need for good quality pitches across the country. “You definitely need a facility like Mirpur, and while I’m okay with playing to your strengths on certain pitches, it’s crucial to produce quality wickets at the domestic level as well,” he said. “This way, you can test your cricketers and prepare them for the international stage.” Regarding his potential return to international cricket, Tamim said that there needs to be a clear path and purpose for him to consider it. He neither explicitly ruled out a return nor definitively confirmed it. On his relationship with Shakib, Tamim remained somewhat vague and did not explicitly state what transpired between them to cause their relationship to deteriorate. Furthermore, one of Bangladesh's all-time best batters expressed his belief that Bangladesh currently lacks someone capable of being the head coach of the national team. He suggested that the board should recruit coaching staff for the national team at a 30:70 ratio, with 30% being foreign coaches in top positions and the remaining 70% being local officials, allowing them to develop for a better future. Tags: BCB, Bangladesh cricket, Tigers, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan

The special committee, constituted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in late November last year, convened with Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal to analyze the disappointing performance of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup. However, the committee has not disclosed the outcome of these discussions. Enayat Hossain Siraj, the convenor of the committee, indicated that the media department of BCB would host a press conference to unveil the results. BPL 2024: Chattogram's winning streak continue “These matters are not something that can be divulged to the media at this moment,” Enayet Hossain stated during a media interaction in Sylhet, where Shakib and Tamim are busy for their teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). “Because this has been handled very confidentially. When the time is right, the information will be shared collectively, and the public will also be informed. We have held separate discussions with both Shakib and Tamim,” he added. BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib It is understood that the BCB president is set to travel to Indonesia for a meeting of the Asian Cricket Council, with his return expected in early February. The BCB is anticipated to conduct a board meeting at that time, during which the findings of the special committee regarding Bangladesh's performance in the 2023 World Cup will be disclosed. Enayet Hossain confirmed that the committee he leads has completed its work, and they will submit their findings to the board. This committee has two more members— Akram Khan and Mahbub Anam. West Indies Pull Off an Epic Test Win in Australia After 27 Years In the previous World Cup, Bangladesh secured victory in only two out of the nine matches they played. Shakib, who captained the team during the tournament, labeled it as the worst World Cup ever for the Bangladesh team.