United News of Bangladesh

The United Arab Emirates won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bangladesh in the opening match of their two-match T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night. This encounter marks the beginning of Bangladesh’s preparation phase for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Following this series, Bangladesh is scheduled to travel to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series. However, the final decision regarding whether this tour will proceed rests with the Bangladesh government due to security concerns in Pakistan. These concerns stem from recent security threats, including military offensives, arising from Pakistan's border tensions with India. Bangladesh Playing XI: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mahedi Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali †, Shamim Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib UAE Playing XI: Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra †, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Sanchit Sharma, Muhammad Zuhaib, Matiullah Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Jawadullah

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is among several overseas players who won't return for the resumption of the Indian Premier League this weekend, while England's Jos Buttler will miss the playoff stage due to the revised schedule. The IPL resumes on Saturday with Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru. The tournament had been paused for a week amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which included missile exchanges. Following a ceasefire and government approval, the league is set to continue, with all 17 remaining matches now compressed into a tighter window. The revised schedule pushes the final to June 3 — nine days later than originally planned. This extension overlaps with various international commitments. England will be hosting Zimbabwe and the West Indies, Bangladesh is touring Pakistan, and the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa is set to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. Cricket South Africa has denied its players extended no-objection certificates, and they must return home after May 25. Cricket West Indies has granted extended NOCs to its players until the IPL's end on June 3. Starc, the Delhi Capitals' leading wicket-taker, has told the team he will not return. Neither will Australia and Delhi teammate Jake Fraser-McGurk. Starc and Fraser-McGurk are understood to have been shaken by the abrupt suspension of the league. They were part of the Delhi-Punjab Kings match in Dharamsala on May 8, which was abandoned after 10.1 overs amid air raid alarms in a security blackout in north-west India. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, also in Australia's WTC final squad, is rehabbing a shoulder niggle in Brisbane and will rejoin Bengaluru for the knockouts. Australia skipper Pat Cummins and opening batter Travis Head will rejoin Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite the team out of playoffs contention. Buttler has scored 500 runs in 11 games for the league-leading Gujarat Titans, including five half-centuries. The Titans have signed Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis for about $90,000 as Buttler's replacement in the knockouts. Mendis will make his maiden IPL appearance, having played in the Pakistan Super League for Quetta Gladiators until the PSL was also suspended on May 7. Bengaluru's English players Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell have already returned. But countrymen Jofra Archer and allrounders Sam Curran and Jamie Overton won't be returning. Their teams, Rajasthan and Chennai, can't make the knockouts. In light of players' unavailability, IPL officials have allowed franchises to sign players on short-term contracts for the remainder of the league, but these players cannot be retained ahead of the 2026 season. West Indies name all-rounder Chase Test captain Punjab signed New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson for about $230,000 in place of compatriot Lockie Ferguson, who injured a hamstring. Lucknow Super Giants brought in New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke for about $350,000 to replace pacer Mayank Yadav, who injured his back and was out for the season.    

Roston Chase has been appointed West Indies Test captain even though he has not played a match in the format for more than two years. The 33-year-old all-rounder succeeds Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down from the role at the end of March after 39 matches in charge. Cricket West Indies (CWI) shortlisted five other players in addition to Chase for the position including Joshua Da Silva, John Campbell and Jomel Warrican. The decision to select Barbados-born Chase was made after a detailed assessment process across six key areas which included psychometric testing. Source: BBC  West Indies coach Daren Sammy said he "fully endorsed" the appointment of Chase, whose vice-captain will be 32-year-old Warrican. "Our new captain has earned the respect of his peers and understands the responsibility that comes with the role," Sammy said. "He has shown the leadership qualities we need to take this team forward. I urge fans across the region to rally behind him - we're building something special." Chase has played 49 Tests, the last of which came against South Africa in March 2023, with West Indies having played 13 matches in the format since. Chase has scored 2,265 Test runs at an average of 26.33, with five hundreds, and taken 85 wickets at 46.00 with his off-breaks. His first assignment as captain will be a three-Test series against Australia which starts in Bridgetown on 25 June. Chase is part of West Indies' squad for their white-ball tour of England, which starts on 29 May. Shai Hope, West Indies' limited-overs skipper, asked not to be considered.

Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament resumes Saturday after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was achieved. There will be a handful of foreign players returning for the remaining eight games. The Pakistan Super League was suspended on May 9 but last weekend Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire after talks to defuse their most serious military confrontation in decades. The Indian Premier League, also suspended due to the outbreak between the countries, will also resume this weekend. PSL organizers first proposed moving the tournament to Dubai but later decided to postpone it after foreign players were reluctant to participate in the tournament due to security concerns. Around 43 foreign cricketers — competing on six PSL teams — were flown out of Pakistan from an airbase in Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi will host the remaining four league matches between May 17-19 before Lahore hosts the playoffs from May 21, including the final at Gaddafi Stadium on May 25. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikander Raza is among some of foreign players who have returned to Pakistan. Raza, who plays for Lahore Qalandars, is available for Lahore’s crucial last league game against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday before he flies to England for test duty starting next week. Raza will not be available for Lahore if the two-time champions qualify for the playoffs due to his test commitments. Nahid, Rishad opt out of PSL return, confirms BCB He said that if the PSL resumed, he planned to return to Pakistan, even for just one match. “I was very clear in my head that I was always going to go back,” Raza told The Associated Press as he trained with his teammates at Islamabad Club ground on Thursday. “This PSL is not just about winning a trophy, there’s a lot more to it. All the overseas (players) that have come back, whether they’re in Pakistan or India, I think credit must be given to them because cricket unites and the whole purpose of sports all around the world is to unite cultures, countries.” Lahore will also have Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for its must-win last league game against the Babar Azam-led Peshawar side after Tom Curran and Daryl Mitchel were ruled out due to injuries. Raza said it was tough for the families of all the players living abroad after there was escalation at the borders. “Whether it’s Pakistan or India, what happened was tough for everybody,” Raza said. “Sometimes when you’re on the ground, things may not be as bad, but (for) people back home watching TV, sometimes it’s very hard to control what media tells you.” Lahore team director Sameen Rana said it was important that the PSL returns to finish the season. “There’s a lot of uncertainty and the conditions which were happening on the ground was not the best, it's unfortunate,” Rana said. “But from our perspective . . . the important thing is that the PSL is resuming, and that’s what matters.” Defending champions Islamabad United has brought in Alex Hales of England and Rassie van Dussen of South Africa after initially picking both of them in the supplementary draft while Ben Dwarshuis of Australia is flying back to rejoin the team. Islamabad, the three-time PSL champions, won five games in a row at the start of the season before four successive defeats. IPL uncertain for Fizz due to NOC issues, overlapped matches Finn Allen of New Zealand and Rilee Rossouw of South Africa are rejoining first-place Quetta Gladiators, who have 13 points, three points ahead of Karachi and Islamabad. Karachi is expecting to have its captain David Warner back from Australia in time to lead the team against Peshawar on Saturday.

Bangladesh cricketers Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain have decided not to return to Pakistan for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Thursday. Both players were part of the 2025 PSL season and returned home earlier this month after the league was suspended due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.  Although the tournament is set to resume on May 17, the duo has opted out of making a return. Earlier, the BCB had been working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh High Commission to assess the situation, especially after a reported drone strike near Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium forced the postponement of two matches. The incident raised serious safety concerns among overseas players, including Rishad and Nahid. At the time, the board stated it was actively working to bring both players back “in a timely and secure manner.”

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s participation in the remainder of the IPL 2025 season with Delhi Capitals is in doubt due to issues related to his NOC from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Although Delhi Capitals announced Mustafizur as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, the BCB has confirmed that neither the player nor the IPL authorities have formally requested an NOC. Mustafiz is currently with the Bangladesh national team in the UAE for a two-match T20I series against the hosts on May 17 and 19. Following this, Bangladesh is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series starting May 27, though the series is yet to be cleared officially by the Bangladesh authorities due to tensions between Pakistan and India. These commitments overlap with Delhi Capitals’ remaining league matches on May 18, 21, and 24, casting doubts over Mustafizur’s IPL participation. Mustafizur makes IPL comeback with record-breaking Delhi Capitals deal BCB sources suggested that the BCB might grant Mustafizur an NOC for two of the three remaining IPL league matches, balancing national duties with franchise commitments. However, the final decision will depend on discussions between the BCB, the player, and the IPL authorities.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has received government approval to proceed with the national team’s five-match T20I series in Pakistan, scheduled to commence later this month. Farque Ahmed, the president of the board, confirmed the development to the media.  This decision follows a period of uncertainty due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, which had previously led to the postponement of both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). According to BCB president, while the government has given the green light, the board is still awaiting the official letter to finalize the tour. Mustafizur’s INR 6 crore IPL deal not full payout, here's why He said the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of players and coaching staff before making a definitive decision. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a revised itinerary, with the series set to begin on May 27 in Faisalabad and conclude on June 5 in Lahore. The adjustments were made to accommodate the resumption of the PSL, which is slated to restart on May 17. Despite the government’s approval, some Bangladeshi players have expressed reservations about traveling to Pakistan, citing security concerns. The BCB has said that it will not compel any player to participate and will engage in discussions with the squad to address their apprehensions. Shakib set to return with Lahore Qalandars in PSL

The ICC has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023–25, which will be contested between South Africa and Australia from June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The total prize money stands at a massive USD 5.76 million, more than double the amount from the previous two editions. The champions will receive USD 3.6 million, an increase from the USD 1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023. The runners-up will take home USD 2.16 million, up from USD 800,000. The ICC released the details as part of a promotional campaign marking the 30-day countdown to the final. A star-studded video featured current players like Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, along with cricketing legends such as Shaun Pollock, Shoaib Akhtar, Matthew Hayden, and Ravi Shastri. South Africa, who finished top of the WTC table, secured their place in the final with series wins over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as a drawn home series against India. Australia booked their place after a strong campaign that included a 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory against India, a 3-0 home sweep of Pakistan, and away series wins over New Zealand and Sri Lanka. ICC Chair Jay Shah said the final is a celebration of Test cricket. “This edition showcased remarkable performances and culminates in a final between two outstanding teams. Lord’s is a fitting venue for this prestigious clash,” he said. South African captain Temba Bavuma called the match a golden opportunity. “Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket, and this is a chance to win an ICC title at a historic venue. The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go,” Bavuma said.  Australian skipper Pat Cummins echoed the sentiment.  “It’s an honour to defend the WTC title at Lord’s. This reflects the hard work of everyone involved over the past two years,” Cummins said.  The winning team of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa will receive USD 3.6 million, the highest ever prize for a Test match.  Mehidy wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April The runners-up will also enjoy a significant payday, earning USD 2.16 million for their efforts. India, who finished third in the WTC standings, will be awarded USD 1.44 million, while New Zealand, placed fourth, are set to take home USD 1.2 million. Fifth-placed England will receive USD 960,000 for their campaign. Sri Lanka, who finished sixth, will earn USD 840,000. Bangladesh follow with a payout of USD 720,000 after finishing seventh in the table. The West Indies, in eighth place, are due to collect USD 600,000, and Pakistan, who ended the cycle in ninth, will receive USD 480,000.  Bangladesh qualify for ICC Women's World Cup'2025 despite losing to Pakistan by 7 wickets

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 6 crore to play the remaining matches of IPL 2025. While the amount has drawn attention as one of the highest-ever figures for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the league, Mustafizur will not receive the full payment. According to IPL rules, players brought in as mid-season replacements are paid on a pro-rata basis, meaning the payout is adjusted according to the number of matches remaining when they join, not the full season’s contract value. Delhi have three league games left, with the possibility of more if they qualify for the playoffs. So, Mustafizur’s earnings will be calculated based on those matches. Even if he doesn’t play every game, being in the squad is enough to qualify for the prorated salary. On top of that, separate match fees are paid if he plays. Mustafizur makes IPL comeback with record-breaking Delhi Capitals deal The left-arm seamer has been signed as a replacement for Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who left India amid the recent India-Pakistan tensions. While Fraser-McGurk was bought for INR 9 crore, Mustafizur joins at a lower amount but still one of the highest for a replacement player. As per IPL guidelines, a replacement player’s fee cannot exceed that of the original player. And, such replacements are valid only for the current season. Delhi Capitals will not be able to retain Mustafizur next year; he will have to enter the auction again. Mustafizur previously played for Delhi in 2022 and 2023. His return comes as the IPL resumes on May 17 after a temporary suspension.  

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to make his return to competitive cricket, having been picked by Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Shakib, 38, confirmed the development on Tuesday to the media.  He will join fellow Bangladeshi cricketer Rishad Hossain in the Lahore squad, with the league resuming on May 17 after a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions. Shakib had been training privately in Dubai for several days. His last PSL appearance came for Peshawar Zalmi, and he previously played for Karachi Kings as well, tallying 181 runs and 8 wickets across 14 matches.  BFIU seizes bank accounts of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to grant him the No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for participation. A BCB official said that while Shakib has not yet submitted a formal request, the board’s permission is essential before any official announcement from Lahore Qalandars. Court orders confiscating Shakib Al Hasan’s assets   The PSL, which was suspended amid rising geopolitical tensions, will now resume with eight matches remaining, including the playoffs. Lahore Qalandars play their final league game this Sunday, and Shakib may debut for them that day—if clearance comes through in time. With several foreign players unavailable for the concluding stages of the tournament, franchises are turning to experienced replacements like Shakib to bolster their squads.