United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the schedules for two upcoming home series on Friday, confirming a two-match Test series against Pakistan in May followed by a six-match white-ball series against Australia in June. The Pakistan squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 3. The first Test will commence on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital. The teams will then travel to Sylhet for the second Test, which begins on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both matches are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Following Pakistan's departure, Australia will arrive on June 5 for three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is.. The ODI series is set to begin on June 9, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 11 and June 14. All ODI fixtures will start at 11 a.m. local time. The T20I leg of the Australian tour will start on June 17, followed by matches on June 19 and June 21, featuring 2 p.m. starts. The board has not yet confirmed the host venues for the Australia series.

Fast bowlers Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith orchestrated a late batting collapse to lead New Zealand to a 26-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The victory gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Defending what was thought to be a quite modest total of 247/8 after winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand bowled out the hosts for 221 in 48.3 overs. Tickner claimed four wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs, while Smith secured three for 45, effectively ending Bangladesh's chase by dismissing top-scorer Towhid Hridoy in the penultimate over. Bangladesh encountered immediate trouble in the fourth over of their chase. Smith bowled opener Tanzid Hasan for two and dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for a first-ball duck on consecutive deliveries, reducing the hosts to 21 for two. Saif Hassan and wicketkeeper Litton Das stabilized the innings with a 93-run partnership for the third wicket. Saif compiled a steady 57 off 76 balls, including eight boundaries, while Das contributed 46 from 68 deliveries. However, both established batters fell in the middle overs. Saif was caught off the bowling of Will O'Rourke, and Das was bowled by Dean Foxcroft, stalling the home team's momentum. Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox applied further pressure with an economical spell, conceding just 32 runs in his 10 overs and dismissing Afif Hossain for 27. Hridoy anchored the lower-middle order, striking two fours and two sixes in a 60-ball 55. As the required run rate climbed above 10 runs per over, Tickner systematically dismantled the tail. In the 46th over, he caught and bowled Rishad Hossain and subsequently bowled Shoriful Islam on the next delivery. He followed up by bowling Taskin Ahmed in the 48th over. Smith secured the victory moments later by inducing a catch from Hridoy to deep midwicket. Earlier, New Zealand's innings was anchored by half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Foxcroft. Following the early departure of Nick Kelly, Nicholls constructed a 68-run innings from 83 balls. He shared a 73-run stand with Will Young, who scored 30, before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Foxcroft accelerated the scoring rate in the lower-middle order, striking eight boundaries to compile a brisk 59 from 58 balls before Nahid Rana breached his defense. Smith provided crucial late runs with an unbeaten 21 off 22 deliveries. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam led the Bangladesh bowling attack, delivering two maidens and conceding 27 runs while taking two wickets in 10 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain also claimed two wickets each, conceding 50 and 44 runs, respectively. Pace sensation Nahid Rana once again worked up a good head of steam, touching the high-140s, but proved expensive, conceding 65 runs off his allotted 10 overs, for just one wicket. 

Bangladesh reached 51 for two after 10 overs in pursuit of a 248-run target against New Zealand, following a brief top-order collapse sparked by fast bowler Nathan Smith. New Zealand posted 247 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first, anchored by half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft. In the chase, Bangladesh encountered immediate trouble in the fourth over. Smith bowled opener Tanzid Hasan for two and dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for a first-ball duck on consecutive deliveries, leaving the hosts at 21 for two. Saif Hassan, unbeaten on 18, and wicketkeeper Litton Das, not out on 15, navigated Bangladesh through the remainder of the initial overs without further loss. The team requires another 197 runs from 40 overs to secure a victory. Earlier, Nicholls stabilised the New Zealand innings after the early loss of opener Nick Kelly, constructing a measured 68 from 83 deliveries, including nine boundaries. He shared a 73-run partnership with Will Young, who contributed 30, before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in the 28th over. Foxcroft accelerated the scoring rate in the lower middle order, striking eight boundaries to compile a brisk 59 from 58 balls. Smith provided late momentum to the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 22 deliveries. The Bangladesh bowling attack utilised a collective effort to restrict the scoring. Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam delivered the most economical spell, conceding 27 runs and claiming two wickets across his 10 overs, which included two maidens. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain also secured two wickets each, conceding 50 and 44 runs, respectively. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and fast bowler Nahid Rana claimed one wicket apiece, though Rana proved expensive, yielding 65 runs in his 10 overs.

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in the opening match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on Friday in Dhaka. Bangladesh brought in Shoriful Islam replacing Mustafizur Rahman, who has been suffering from an injury. This New Zealand squad is somewhat inexperienced compared to Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh captain and coach both noted they are expecting a tough challenge from the visitors. Bangladesh XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (w), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam New Zealand XI: Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Dean Foxcroft, Tom Latham (c & w), Muhammad Abbas, Josh Clarkson, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will O'Rourke, Jayden Lennox.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introduced a "Captains’ Card" on Thursday, granting former national team leaders lifetime access to all board events and comprehensive medical benefits. BCB ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal distributed the cards during a ceremony at a Dhaka hotel Tamim, who received his own card from former captain Shafiqul Haq Heera, said the initiative was designed to honour the historical leaders of Bangladesh cricket and alleviate the anxiety many face when visiting stadiums post-retirement.  "I am sure all the captains present here have felt a sense of insecurity at some point about whether they would be recognized, stopped, or disrespected if they went to the ground," Tamim said. "This has happened to me as well. The card is meant to remove that hesitation." Cardholders will receive the same medical services from the BCB medical department as active national players. The board will also arrange health insurance for the former captains and provide financial assistance for overseas medical treatment if necessary. The event marked a rare gathering of Bangladesh's cricketing leadership, though several prominent figures were absent. Out of the 26 men and six women who have captained Bangladesh across all formats, only Rumana Ahmed represented the women's team.  Notable absentees included former Awami League lawmakers Naimur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Also missing were Faruque Ahmed, Khaled Mashud, and Aminul Islam Bulbul, key figures in the elected board that the National Sports Council dissolved last week to make way for Tamim’s ad-hoc committee.  Tamim said that all former captains were invited, though he noted his attempts to reach his immediate predecessor were unsuccessful.  “I called Bulbul bhai, sent him a message, and then realized I was blocked,” Tamim said. Despite the absences and recent administrative turmoil, Tamim emphasized that the BCB will hold the cards for those who could not attend. “I do not want to talk about politics or what recently happened at the BCB,” Tamim said. “Your contribution to Bangladesh cricket is immense. Whenever you can, whenever you come to the country, please accept the card. We are all cricketers and we respect each other.”//  

Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said Thursday that the sudden elevation of his former teammate Tamim Iqbal to the presidency of the national cricket board provides a distinct advantage for the squad ahead of their series against New Zealand. Tamim took charge as the head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ad-hoc committee on April 7 following a period of intense administrative upheaval. The appointment created an unusual dynamic for the current roster, as Tamim captained the national side as recently as 2023 and played alongside Miraz for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Dhaka Premier League just last year. Speaking at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Miraz framed the transition from peer to boss as a structural benefit for the players. "Since we played cricket together, he knows us very well," Miraz said. "Because he left playing only recently, he knows what our demands are and what we prefer. This is a positive side for the players." The swift transfer of power at the BCB occurred squarely during the national team's training camp, raising external concerns about potential psychological distractions. However, Miraz insisted the squad successfully insulated itself from the administrative noise. "As professional cricketers, what happens outside does not affect our minds," Miraz said. "Our job is to perform. The way we practiced over the last three weeks was very good. We never thought about what happened outside." Tamim has already leveraged his new executive authority to enact structural changes, recently announcing significant salary and match-fee increases for domestic cricketers. Miraz confirmed the new president also held informal discussions with the national squad to offer encouragement and underscore the need to maintain their recent on-field momentum. Bangladesh will face New Zealand in the first of three ODIs on Friday at 11 a.m. local time in Mirpur. The teams will play a second match at the same venue before traveling to Chattogram for the series finale, which will be followed by a three-match Twenty20 series.    

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has dismissed concerns that the rapid leadership changes within the national cricket board are destabilising his squad, insisting the team remains strictly focused on Friday’s ODI series opener against a seemingly depleted New Zealand. The three-match ODI series begins on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Speaking at a press conference in Mirpur on Wednesday, Simmons addressed the recent administrative upheaval that saw former captain Tamim Iqbal assume the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) presidency on April 7, replacing Aminul Islam Bulbul. Veteran pacer Rubel retires from int’l cricket  Tamim marks the third BCB president Simmons has worked under since his sudden appointment in October 2024. Despite the swift boardroom turnovers occurring squarely during the team's preparation camp, the West Indian coach said the players' psychological readiness and training routines have not been compromised. He noted he has already met with Tamim twice since the transition. "Nothing in life surprises me anymore," Simmons said. "I have been through enough to understand that everything happens on a day-to-day basis. I am not surprised by anything. As a coaching group, it has not affected our work. The presidents are not coming in as the head coach. We are preparing for a series and trying to build something, and no one has tried to change what we are building." Simmons is demanding that same level of tunnel vision when evaluating the opposition. New Zealand arrive in Dhaka missing an estimated 16-17 top-tier players, as the bulk of their primary roster is currently participating in franchise tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Even fast bowler Ben Sears was recently released from the visiting squad to honour a PSL contract. Led by Tom Latham, the visiting squad lacks the star power that recently propelled the second-ranked ODI team to the Champions Trophy final and a historic series victory in India this past January. However, Simmons firmly rejected the notion that Bangladesh will be facing a secondary roster. "I don't know anything about a second-best team," Bangladesh coach said. "When a team comes representing a country, that is their best. Especially a team like New Zealand, which continuously produces players. These guys have played a massive amount of domestic cricket across all formats. They are solid, experienced cricketers. There is no reason to consider them a second-best team. International cricket doesn’t work that way."

Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, ending a career defined by dramatic high points in limited-over formats and significant struggles in the Test arena.  The 36-year-old, known for his slinging action, shared the decision on his social media accounts. He expressed his intention to continue playing domestic cricket, though he has not featured in an international match since a T20 against New Zealand in April 2021. “The national team is my emotion, but I had to say goodbye to international cricket at some point,” Rubel said. “However, I wish to continue playing in domestic tournaments.” Mustafizur, Nahid to return from PSL as BCB names unchanged squad for New Zealand ODIs Emerging from a pace-bowling talent hunt, Rubel debuted in January 2009 against Sri Lanka, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to take four wickets on his ODI debut. He proved most effective in the ODI format, claiming a total of 129 wickets in 104 matches.  His career-defining moment came during the 2015 World Cup in Adelaide, where his aggressive late spell against England secured Bangladesh's first-ever quarterfinal berth. He also recorded a hat-trick against New Zealand in Dhaka in 2013, taking 6-26, which remains tied for the best ODI bowling figures by a Bangladeshi player. Rubel’s performance in other formats was markedly less impactful. He took 36 wickets in 27 test matches with an average of 76.77, the highest bowling average in test history among players with more than 20 wickets. In T20 internationals, he claimed 28 wickets in as many matches while conceding nearly 9.5 runs per over.  His international tenure also included significant off-field legal issues. Rubel spent time in jail following personal allegations prior to the 2015 World Cup, eventually securing bail to travel to Australia for the tournament. Despite his stated desire to extend his domestic career, Rubel’s recent participation at that level has been minimal. He has played only one domestic match in the past two years, with his last appearance occurring approximately 15 months ago.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced an unchanged 15-member squad on Saturday for the first two ODIs of the upcoming home series against New Zealand. To ensure availability for national duty, fast bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana, along with opening batsman Tanzid Hasan, are returning to Bangladesh midway through their stints in the Pakistan Super League. The board had issued their No Objection Certificates for the overseas franchise tournament with a strict expiration date of April 12. Selectors opted for continuity for the New Zealand assignment, retaining the exact roster that featured in the team's recent white-ball series against Pakistan. Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.

Bangladesh's domestic cricketers, particularly the women, have received a significant financial boost as the newly formed BCB ad-hoc committee announced its first major decision on Thursday. The move comes after new board chief Tamim Iqbal was reportedly shocked to learn about the current pay structure for female players. Until recently, women in the domestic circuit were earning a match fee of just BDT 1,000 (USD 8 approx.) for a one-day competition. Under the revised structure, women will now receive BDT 10,000 for T20s, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class matches. The monthly salary for the top 36 women in the domestic setup has also been pushed up from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000. "This may not be ideal, but it is certainly an improvement, considering there are limits to how much can be increased at once," Tamim said. The men's domestic circuit also saw a substantial pay rise, with Tamim noting there had been little increment over the last three to four years. First-class match fees for men have gone up to BDT 100,000 from the previous BDT 70,000 . In the new monthly salary brackets, Category A players will now get BDT 65,000 , while Category B and C will receive BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively. "I think the players were highly underpaid in the previous salary structure," Tamim said. "These players work hard, and cricket exists because of their efforts. At the very least, they deserve fair compensation." The new monthly salaries for both men and women will come into effect from January 1, 2026. With the financial changes secured, the 11-member ad-hoc committee is now turning its attention toward ending a stalemate with local club teams, as they look to get the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League underway in the coming weeks.