United News of Bangladesh

Pakistani batting legend Mohammad Yousuf has issued a scathing critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the global body of compromising the sport's integrity by ignoring Bangladesh's “legitimate security concerns” regarding the T20 World Cup in India. Yousuf’s comments come days after the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland following the BCB's refusal to play in India due to safety fears. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, the former captain highlighted the sheer magnitude of the Bangladeshi fanbase to underscore the ICC's strategic blunder. Read More: Mohammad Yousuf steps down as Pakistan cricket selector He pointed out that Bangladesh’s population of approximately 176 million is nearly equal to the combined population of ten other cricketing nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka (178 million). “In a sport that relies globally on viewership, ignoring the legitimate security concerns of Bangladesh raises serious questions about consistency and governance,” Yousuf wrote. He added, “When privileges are granted selectively, fairness is lost. Cricket must be governed by principles, not influence.” Yousuf joins a growing chorus of former Pakistani greats, including Shahid Afridi and Jason Gillespie, in condemning the decision. Meanwhile, the crisis continues to widen, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming on Monday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the board to keep “all options open”—including a potential boycott—regarding Pakistan's participation. A final decision from Islamabad is expected by Friday or next Monday.

The government has not ruled out playing in T20 World Cup but asked for alternative venues to ensure the safety of players and spectators, said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday. “The government has never said that we will not play. We have clearly stated that we are interested in participating in the World Cup. What we have asked for is an alternative venue,” he told reporters responding to a question after a meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee at the Secretariat. Referring to past precedents, the adviser said the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier arranged neutral venues for teams facing security or political concerns. “India did not play in Pakistan for many years and played matches in different countries. So, providing an alternative venue is nothing unusual,” he added. He stressed that Bangladesh did not make any unprecedented or unreasonable demand. “This was not something absurd or an innovation coming out of nowhere. It is a practice that already exists in international cricket,” he said. Explaining the rationale behind the government’s decision, the adviser pointed to security concerns arising from political developments in the host country. He cited the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from a previous event as a key factor. “You know why Mustafiz was excluded. Certain political groups including the BJP and Shiv Sena demanded that he be dropped,” Khan said. In that context, the government considered the safety of our players and the security of spectators and that is why this decision was taken, he added. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure a safe and secure environment for Bangladeshi athletes whenever they compete abroad.”This is a policy-based stand, not a political one.” Read More: ICC rejects accreditation for Bangladeshi journalists to cover T20 World Cup Khan expressed hope that the ICC would address Bangladesh’s concerns in line with established international practices and facilitate arrangements that allow the team to participate without compromising security.

The diplomatic fallout between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh has extended to the press box, with the global body denying accreditation to all Bangladeshi journalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The decision effectively creates a media blackout for Bangladesh at the tournament, barring reporters from covering matches in both host nations, India and Sri Lanka. A member of the BCB Media Committee Chairman confirmed the mass rejection to UNB on Monday night, saying that approximately 130 to 150 applications were turned down. The move follows the ICC’s recent decision to replace the Bangladesh team with Scotland after the BCB refused to tour India citing security risks. U-19 World Cup: Bangladesh eliminated after crushing 7-wicket defeat to England However, the treatment of the media has sparked particular outrage. Bangladeshi journalist associations are now planning to lodge a formal protest through the Ministry of Information and the BCB, demanding an explanation for why access was denied even for matches held in co-host Sri Lanka.

The Bangladesh Under-19 has been eliminated from the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat against England in their opening Super Six match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. In a must-win encounter, the Junior Tigers capitulated under pressure, being bundled out for a paltry 136 in 38.1 overs. England chased down the target with ease, reaching 137 for 3 in just 24.1 overs, with 155 balls to spare. This defeat confirms Bangladesh's exit before the semi-finals for the third consecutive World Cup since their historic title win in 2020. Read More: ACC summons cricket ace Shakib Al Hasan Bangladesh entered the Super Six stage with a distinct disadvantage, carrying only one point from the group stage due to a loss against India and a washout against New Zealand. Facing England, who started the round with four points, victory was imperative to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum. After opener Jawad Abrar fell in the first over, Rifat Beg (31) and captain Azizul Hakim (20) stitched together a 46-run stand. However, once English spinner Farhan Ahmed broke the partnership, the innings unraveled. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Abdullah (25) offered some resistance, but no other batter crossed the 20-run mark. England’s Morgan claimed 3 for 28 to wreck the lower order. Read More: Fatigue sets in as Bangladesh cricketers struggle through packed calendar In reply, Bangladeshi pacer Al Fahad provided an early spark, removing opener Joseph Moores—courtesy of a spectacular catch by Swadhin Islam after a drop by Samiun Basir on the previous delivery—and later Ben Dawkins (27). However, England captain Thomas Rew led the chase with an unbeaten 59, earning the Player of the Match award. His 78-run partnership with Ben Mayes (34) effectively sealed Bangladesh’s fate. The Junior Tigers will play a consolation match against Zimbabwe in Harare on January 31 before returning home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be made by early next week. The confirmation came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi, who also serves as the country's Interior Minister, described his discussion with the Prime Minister as “productive.” According to the PCB chief, PM Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the board to resolve the ongoing standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) while keeping “all options on the table”—a directive that suggests a full boycott remains a distinct possibility. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Taking to a social media, Naqvi said, “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” The uncertainty over the 2009 champions' participation stems from the deepening crisis surrounding the tournament, scheduled to begin in February. Tensions escalated last week when the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. Global players’ body backs Bangladesh, but ignores core safety concerns Bangladesh raised The BCB’s refusal was triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman on security grounds—a move Dhaka viewed as an admission of a hostile environment. With reports circulating that Pakistan may boycott the event or refuse to play India in solidarity with Bangladesh, the upcoming decision by the PCB will be critical for the future of the tournament.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed deep concern over Bangladesh's exclusion from the 2026 T20 World Cup, describing the absence of a major cricketing nation from the global showpiece as a “sad moment” for the sport. In a statement issued on Sunday, WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat threw his weight behind the Bangladeshi players, warning that the incident highlights serious fractures in the governance of global cricket. “The withdrawal of Bangladesh... is a sad moment for our game, for the players of Bangladesh, and their fans. It requires deep reflection,” Moffat said. However, the statement was conspicuously vague regarding the root cause of the crisis. Surprisingly, the text missed the specific context of Bangladesh's request for safe venues amidst growing concerns regarding the safety of Bangladeshi nationals on Indian soil. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh While the WCA advocated for “fair conditions,” it stopped short of addressing the environment in India that led the BCB to withdraw. Instead, the WCA focused on broader systemic issues. The body noted “worrying trends” in the sport, including contract violations, eroding rights, and a lack of meaningful dialogue with players. “These issues suggest a disregard for people that should not exist in cricket,” the statement read, warning that if these governance flaws remain unaddressed, the unity and future health of the game are at risk. The WCA concluded by pledging its continued support to the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) and urged cricket’s leaders to prioritize collective interests over division.

The crisis surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup has escalated further, with reports emerging that Pakistan is seriously considering boycotting its blockbuster group-stage match against arch-rivals India. The move is being weighed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a major protest against the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. According to sources, the PCB is reviewing various options to register its dissent, including refusing to take the field for the high-stakes encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Insiders suggest the board calculates that forfeiting the match—and the associated two points—would be a manageable sporting loss compared to the massive financial and reputational blow a boycott of the tournament's most lucrative fixture would deal to the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is scheduled to meet the national squad today, slammed the global body for its handling of the situation. He accused the ICC of “double standards” for stripping Bangladesh of its spot while accommodating India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for other events. “You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country,” Naqvi said. Naqvi also took a veiled dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying, “One country cannot dictate another. And if this dictation is attempted, then Pakistan definitely has its own stance.” The final decision, however, rests with the federal government of Pakistan. Naqvi confirmed that the board will announce its official stance once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.  Pakistan is currently scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.  

In a dramatic development coinciding with Bangladesh's official exclusion from the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that former captain Shakib Al Hasan is once again eligible for national selection. The decision came following an eight-hour board meeting on Saturday late at night. BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hossain confirmed that the board has cleared the way for the veteran all-rounder to return to international cricket, provided he meets fitness and availability criteria. “If Shakib is available, fit, and can physically access the match venues, the board and the selection panel will definitely consider him,” Amjad told reporters. But, significant hurdles remain regarding his return to Bangladesh. Shakib, a former Member of Parliament for the ousted Awami League government, has not returned to the country since the regime fell in August 2024. Shakib contested the 2024 election under the Sheikh Hasina government, which was marred by allegations of irregularities and boycott of oppositions. He was last seen in national colors during the Kanpur Test against India, and was forced to miss his planned farewell Test in Mirpur due to public protests and security threats. When pressed on how Shakib could return given the multiple legal cases filed against him, the board distanced itself from the legalities. “Whether he is a criminal or needs to be judged is a government issue, not the BCB's,” Amjad stated. Another board director, Asif Akbar, added, “Whether he is a fallen fascist or a former MP is not our concern. We want the player Shakib.” The board has reportedly tasked its president with discussing the matter with the government to ensure Shakib's safe passage.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) plea to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to an alternative venue, a senior BCB official told UNB. It has opened the door for Scotland to play in the World Cup, according to the reports. The decision follows the Bangladesh government's refusal to send the national team to India, citing “genuine and severe” security risks that the global body failed to address. Despite BCB’s last-ditch appeal to the ICC’s Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, the global body proceeded with the replacement, adhering to its ultimatum regarding the tournament schedule. Scotland, as the highest-ranked qualifier, will now take Bangladesh’s spot in the group stage. The withdrawal is rooted in what Dhaka describes as a hostile climate in India. The Bangladesh government pointed to the forced removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by the BCCI earlier this month due to security threats as undeniable proof that player safety could not be guaranteed. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had vehemently argued that reports of mob lynchings of suspected Bangladeshis in West Bengal and threats from political groups like Shiv Sena made the tour impossible. Travel to India for T20 World Cup or be replaced: ICC warns Bangladesh “We cannot bow our heads and push our players into a genuine risk,” the Sports Adviser had said recently, emphasizing that national dignity and life took precedence over sport. While critics, including former official Syed Ashraful Haque, argued the decision should have been left to the players, the government maintained that state security is a sovereign responsibility. For Bangladesh, this boycott invites potential heavy sanctions and financial losses, but it stands as a message that the safety of its citizens remains non-negotiable.

The uncertainty about Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India amid security concerns continues as Pakistan may also join Bangladesh in protest. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has thrown his full weight behind current chairman Mohsin Naqvi amid growing speculation that Pakistan may join Bangladesh in boycotting the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. Speaking on Friday, Sethi endorsed the potential hardline stance, asserting that it is time for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to realize its global mandate goes beyond a single nation. The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, faces a deepening crisis after the ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift their matches out of India due to security concerns. The standoff began after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed an IPL franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, prompting Dhaka to cite a hostile environment. Despite a 24-hour ultimatum from the ICC to comply with the schedule, the BCB has stood firm and referred the matter to the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee. Read More: Captain Mahedi leads Chattogram Royals to BPL final Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Pakistan, the 2009 champions, might withdraw from the tournament if Bangladesh pulls out. Sethi expressed confidence in Naqvi’s handling of the delicate situation. “Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good understanding of all aspects. Whatever decision Mohsin Naqvi makes will be right,” Sethi said. Sethi welcomed the resistance from Dhaka, viewing it as a necessary check on India's dominance in world cricket. He argued that a united front is essential for the health of the game. “If other countries stand up after Pakistan, the ICC will realise that this is not the Indian Cricket Council, but the International Cricket Council,” Sethi said, signaling that a collective boycott could be the catalyst for a major shift in cricket's power dynamics.