United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s flawless campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier has paid rich dividends in the latest ICC player rankings, with batter Sobhana Mostary making the most significant stride. Mostary, who was instrumental in Bangladesh's seven-match winning streak, has jumped 16 places to secure the 36th spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings. She finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 262 runs across seven innings. SAFF U-19 Women: Bangladesh stun India 2-0 to top table Captain Nigar Sultana Joty also saw an improvement in her standing. With 154 runs in the tournament, the skipper moved up three places to break into the top 20, now sitting at 19th. Opener Dilara Akter climbed five spots to reach the 65th position. The bowlers were not left behind. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who claimed 8 wickets during the qualifiers, surged eight places to reach the 28th position in the bowling rankings. Beyond Bangladesh, players from other qualifying nations also made gains. Ireland’s Arlene Kelly moved up seven spots to 36th, while Orla Prendergast jumped 10 places to 45th in the batting charts. Scotland’s 20-year-old sensation Katherine Fraser also impressed. With an all-round performance of 184 runs and 8 wickets, Fraser moved up seven spots to 37th in the bowling rankings and climbed three spots to sit jointly at 22nd in the all-rounder rankings.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his full support for the government’s decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the upcoming T20 World Cup, while issuing a stern challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove its impartiality. The Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday via social media that while the Men in Green will participate in the 2026 tournament, they will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15. Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy. “I have always believed that cricket opens doors that politics closes. It is sad that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup, but I stand by my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote. He then turned his attention to the global governing body, which has faced criticism for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland following a dispute over security and venue changes in India. Ind vs Pak: ICC to hold emergency meeting within 48 hours, PCB faces possible suspension: Reports “It is now time for the ICC to show their leadership,” Afridi added. “Not just through statements, but through decisions to prove that they are impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” The diplomatic row was triggered after the ICC refused Bangladesh's request to move their matches out of India due to security concerns—concerns heightened after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped by IPL franchise KKR allegedly due to political pressure. Pakistan’s partial boycott is seen as a move of solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC has previously warned that “selective participation” undermines the spirit of the World Cup and urged the PCB to find a constructive resolution. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia.  

Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Madan Lal have strongly criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup group-stage match against India, warning that the move will ultimately cause more harm to Pakistan cricket than to the tournament organisers. The reaction comes a day after the Pakistan government confirmed the team would participate in the World Cup but would refuse to take the field against India on February 15 in solidarity with Bangladesh. Speaking to a news agency, 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal termed the decision self-destructive. “I think the Pakistan government and the PCB are harming their own cricket,” Lal said. “They want to support Bangladesh, which is their prerogative, but in the end, the loss will be borne by both Bangladesh and Pakistan.” Lal dismissed the notion that the boycott would financially cripple the tournament, arguing that the global cricketing economy would simply shift focus. “Big powers like New Zealand, England, South Africa, and Australia remain. Viewers and sponsorships will eventually move towards them,” he added. Meanwhile, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take strict disciplinary action. Speaking to the media, Gavaskar said that a last-minute withdrawal sets a dangerous precedent. Read More: India to show up at stadium as Pakistan confirms boycott of Feb 15 clash “If they had withdrawn earlier, it would have been different. But taking such a decision right before the tournament warrants ICC intervention,” Gavaskar said. “I don’t know what steps the ICC will take, but something must be done to ensure no team thinks of doing this in the future.” He further suggested that the ICC might consider legal action against the PCB for breach of commitment. However, Gavaskar also hinted that a “U-turn” might still be on the cards. Citing the history of Pakistani players reversing retirement decisions. “When global reactions start pouring in, their stance might change. Pakistani fans might question their government. It wouldn't be surprising if they change their mind before February 15.” The diplomatic standoff began after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament following Dhaka's refusal to play in India due to security concerns.  

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian team will strictly adhere to all International Cricket Council (ICC) protocols for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash on February 15, despite the Pakistan government’s official confirmation that their team will boycott the fixture. According to BCCI sources, India intends to treat the schedule as unchanged. Media reports suggest that India will travel to Sri Lanka on 15th February and follow ICC protocol. They will practice as per schedule, and also reach the stadium on time and wait for the match referee to call off the match. This procedural adherence ensures that India will likely be awarded the match points via forfeiture if Pakistan fails to take the field. The standoff intensified on Sunday when the Pakistan government announced via social media that while the national team is cleared to participate in the 2026 tournament, they are forbidden from playing against arch-rivals India. This decision follows high-level meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has publicly criticized the ICC for alleged “double standard” and BCCI influence. The diplomatic crisis stems from the ICC's earlier controversial decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the BCB refused to tour India—a move triggered by tensions involving Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman and the IPL. The ICC has issued a strong rebuke regarding Pakistan's stance, labeling it "selective participation" that threatens the integrity of the event. Ind vs Pak: ICC to hold emergency meeting within 48 hours, PCB faces possible suspension: Reports “ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity... selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the global body stated. Urging the PCB to reconsider, the ICC warned of “significant and long-term implications” for Pakistani cricket and called for a “mutually acceptable resolution” to protect the global cricket ecosystem.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to convene a high-level emergency board meeting within the next 48 hours to address rising tensions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources told NDTV. Sources indicated to NDTV Profit that the PCB may face severe sanctions, potentially including suspension from the ongoing T20 World Cup. The meeting was prompted by Pakistan’s decision to boycott its upcoming T20 World Cup Group A match against India on February 15, a move that has alarmed global cricket administrators and raised the prospect of unprecedented disciplinary action. Pakistan on Sunday confirmed it would not participate in its high-profile men’s T20 World Cup group league match against India, a decision that could have serious consequences even though the government approved the team’s participation in the remainder of the tournament starting February 7. "The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India," the government said in a social media post. The boycott is linked to a political protest following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the ICC declined its request to move matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns. The ICC has questioned the Pakistani government’s decision and warned that the boycott could result in punitive measures. The PCB had earlier said it would reassess its participation, showing solidarity with Bangladesh. Possible repercussions The India-Pakistan clash is the most anticipated fixture of any ICC event, attracting massive global viewership, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue. The host broadcaster could face losses between Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore, as a 10-second commercial slot for the marquee game can cost up to Rs 40 lakh. While a walkover would grant full points to India, the ICC can impose financial penalties on the PCB. For a walkover to be declared, the opposition team must appear on the field for the coin toss. The Indian team will travel to Sri Lanka, and Suryakumar Yadav will step out for the toss. If Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha does not appear, the match referee will award a walkover and two points to India. Additional sanctions could include docking of World Test Championship points, restrictions on ICC ranking movement, top member nations refusing to tour Pakistan, and limitations on PCB players’ participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Pakistan has announced that although its national team will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it will boycott the high-profile group-stage match against India, a decision expected to stir strong reactions in the cricketing world. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement in the tournament but deals a massive blow to the event's most anticipated fixture. The high-stakes match was scheduled for February 15. The decision was communicated via the Pakistan government's official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement read. This unprecedented move effectively means Pakistan will likely forfeit points for the match, but the decision appears to be a political stance rather than a cricketing one. Litton, Shanto, Akbar to lead teams in special 3-team T20 event starting Feb 5 It comes amidst heightened regional tensions and follows the recent controversy involving Bangladesh, who were replaced in the tournament by Scotland after refusing to play in India. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) had reportedly moved Pakistan's games to Sri Lanka to ensure their participation, the government's refusal to play India—even at a neutral venue—marks a historic low in bilateral sporting ties.

India’s deteriorating diplomatic ties with Bangladesh and the latter's subsequent exclusion from the upcoming T20 World Cup could severely jeopardize New Delhi's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, according to a report by The Guardian. The British newspaper suggests that while the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been accommodating of India's political stances, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) maintains a much stricter “zero tolerance’ policy regarding political interference in sports. The controversy centers on the recent exclusion of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following a dispute that began with pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, tensions escalated to the point where the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change due to security concerns.  The ICC rejected the request, and Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India led to their replacement by Scotland. The Guardian report notes that the ICC, currently chaired by Jay Shah—son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah—has historically bent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The report highlights how the ICC accommodated India by moving their Champions Trophy matches against Pakistan to neutral venues. Bangladesh women complete perfect qualifier campaign with 7-wicket win However, the IOC operates differently. An IOC source told the publication that awarding the Games to a host nation where there is a risk of boycotts by other countries is “unimaginable.” The report cited the recent example of Indonesia, which was effectively removed from the Olympic hosting race after refusing visas to the Israeli gymnastics team. With Ahmedabad vying against Qatar for the 2036 Games, the report concludes that India must provide strong evidence of normalized sporting relations with neighbors like Pakistan and Bangladesh to be considered a viable host.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team maintained a flawless record in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing their seventh consecutive victory by defeating the Netherlands by 7 wickets in their final match at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Sunday. Having already booked their ticket to the main event in England, the Tigresses capped off a dominant campaign with a seven out of seven win streak. Chasing a modest target of 103, Bangladesh faced an early scare as both openers, Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, were dismissed with just 6 runs on the board. However, Captain Nigar Sultana Joty anchored the innings, first steadying the ship with a 42-run stand with Sharmin Akhter (13). Read More: Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” After Sharmin’s dismissal, Nigar combined with in-form batter Sobhana Mostary to seal the game with an unbeaten 57-run partnership off just 37 balls. Nigar remained not out on 50 off 44 deliveries, striking seven boundaries to register her 10th T20I half-century. Sobhana provided aggressive support, finishing unbeaten on 33 off 23 balls with five fours and a six, as Bangladesh reached 105 for 3 with 20 balls to spare. Earlier, opting to bat, the Netherlands crumbled under the pressure of the Bangladeshi spin attack. Nahida Akter wreaked havoc, claiming 3 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs, reducing the Dutch side to a precarious 23 for 5. A spirited 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Robine Rijke (39) and Sania Khurana (43*) saved the Netherlands from total humiliation, dragging them to 102 for 6. However, the total proved insufficient against the confident Bangladeshi lineup. Both Bangladesh and the Netherlands, along with Ireland, have qualified for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in England this June. Read More: Marufa’s fiery burst puts her in cricket’s spotlight

Australia’s Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka due to a persistent back injury. The 32 year old test captain played just once in Australia’s 4-1 Ashes series victory over England, with his back causing problems for more than six months. Although Cummins was included in the provisional World Cup squad, Australia have chosen Ben Dwarshuis for the final team. Matt Short was also omitted, making way for former Test opener Matthew Renshaw, who made his T20 debut earlier this week. “With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who provides a left-arm pace option along with dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace, combined with clever variations, will suit the expected conditions and the overall squad structure.” Read More: South Africa beat West Indies in T20 series opener Australia, captained by Mitchell Marsh, are currently playing a three-match T20 series in Pakistan as part of their tournament preparation. Veteran batsman Steve Smith missed out on the World Cup squad despite strong performances in the Big Bash League. Australia will open their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11 February in Colombo. “With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament,” Dodemaide said regarding Renshaw’s selection. “As a left-hander, he also offers a point of difference to the middle-order batting.”   With inputs from BBC

With the national team absent from the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a high-stakes domestic T20 tournament titled “Odommo Bangladesh” (Indomitable Bangladesh) to keep the country’s top cricketers in action. Following directives from the government to ensure player engagement during the World Cup window, the BCB unveiled details of the three-team competition on Saturday. The tournament, boasting a total prize pool and match fees amounting to BDT 2.5 crore, is scheduled to begin on February 5 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The three participating teams—Dhumketu XI, Durbar XI, and Duronto XI—will be led by prominent national stars. T20 Captain Litton Das will captain Dhumketu XI, while Test Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto takes charge of Durbar XI. Young wicketkeeper-batter Akbar Ali has been named captain of Duronto XI. The tournament will run from February 5 to February 7 with a round-robin format, followed by the final between the top two teams on February 9. To attract crowds, matches will start at 6:00 PM, preceded by a two-hour cultural program each day. Ticket prices range from BDT 100 for general admission to BDT 1,000 for the Grand Stand.//