United News of Bangladesh

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk. This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament. The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB’s email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position. Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India. Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue. While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh. This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh

A captain’s knock from Mahedi Hasan has propelled the Chattogram Royals into the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), securing a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Rajshahi Warriors in the first Qualifier on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 134, Chattogram crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, thanks to Mahedi’s unbeaten cameo and a solid top-order performance. Needing 9 runs off the final over, Mahedi took charge against bowler Ripon Mondol. After a single on the first ball, the skipper hit a six over mid-off on the second delivery, effectively sealing the game. He finished the match on the third ball with a couple of runs, remaining unbeaten on 19 off just 9 balls. Earlier in the chase, Chattogram’s Mirza Baig led the innings with a crucial 45, the highest score for his side. Despite a sluggish start from opener Mohammad Naim, who consumed 38 balls for his 30 runs, timely boundaries from Hasan Nawaz kept the Royals in the hunt. Before his heroics with the bat, Mahedi delivered a match-defining spell with the ball. He claimed two key wickets for just 20 runs, dismissing Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim in consecutive deliveries in the ninth over, narrowly missing a hat-trick. Rajshahi, who opted to bat first, struggled to build momentum. Opener Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 41, while a late blitz from Sakib Saklain helped them post a respectable 133. However, the top order failed to fire, with key players like Sahirzada Farhan and Jimmy Neesham unable to convert their starts. Pacer Shoriful Islam continued his fine form, taking his season tally to 24 wickets, just one shy of Taskin Ahmed’s record. While Chattogram celebrates their spot in the final, Rajshahi remains in contention and will face the Sylhet Titans in the second Qualifier.

In a heart-stopping finish at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Chris Woakes struck a massive six off the final ball to guide the Sylhet Titans to an incredible victory over the Rangpur Riders in the BPL Eliminator on Tuesday.  The breathtaking win keeps Sylhet's title hopes alive, propelling them to the second qualifier, while the Rangpur Riders have been knocked out of the tournament. Chasing a modest target of 112, the match appeared to be slipping away from Sylhet during a tense final over bowled by Rangpur's Fahim Ashraf. With just three runs required off the last six deliveries, the drama escalated quickly. Read More: Royals bat first against Noakhali Express as BPL resumes Ashraf started well, conceding only two runs off the first ball before bowling two consecutive dots to strangle the scoring. The pressure mounted further when Moeen Ali was dismissed on the fourth ball, leaving Sylhet needing one run to tie or a boundary to win with just one delivery remaining. However, Woakes held his nerve, connecting perfectly with the final ball to send it over the ropes and trigger wild celebrations in the Sylhet camp. Earlier in the day, Sylhet captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Pacer Khaled Ahmed tore through the Rangpur top order, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 14.  Read More: BPL in Jeopardy: players threaten total strike if a board director doesn't step down by Thursday 1 pm Rangpur’s star-studded lineup crumbled under the pressure, losing key wickets including openers Tawhid Hridoy and David Malan early on. Captain Litton Das managed just one run before falling to Khaled, leaving his side reeling. Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad offered some resistance, top-scoring with 33 off 26 balls, while Khushdil Shah added a fighting 30. However, the lack of support from the other end meant Rangpur could only post a below-par 111 for 9 in their 20 overs. Alongside Khaled, Woakes and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets each to keep the scoring in check. Sylhet’s chase was far from smooth, as they found themselves in deep trouble at 44 for 4 in the eighth over following strikes by Alis Islam and Mustafizur Rahman. It took a great partnership between Sam Billings and skipper Miraz to resurrect the innings. Billings played a gritty knock of 29 off 40 balls, anchoring the middle overs before falling in the 18th over, setting the stage for Woakes’ last-gasp heroics.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the ICC creates pressure on the country under influence from the Indian Cricket Control  Board. “If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition on us, we will not accept,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. He also said Bangladesh cannot be forced to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup under pressure. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Asked about a report by French news agency AFP which said Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the World Cup if the team refuses to go to India, the adviser said they have not officially heard any such decision. “There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue change,” he added. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Tensions escalated recently after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL due to security threats, a concern reportedly validated by the ICC’s own “Internal Threat Assessment Report”.

Sylhet Titans captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz won the toss and opted to field first in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) eliminator against Rangpur Riders. Sylhet have made four changes to their squad, while Rangpur captain Litton Das confirmed two changes in his squad for today’s match. Rangpur Riders squad: Dawid Malan, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (c), Khushdil Shah, Iftakhar Hossain Ifti, Nurul Hasan (w), Mahmudullah, Faheem Ashraf, Nahid Rana, Aliss Al Islam, Akif Javed, Mehedi Hasan Sohag, Rakibul Hasan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Nayeem Hasan, Abdul Halim, Mustafizur Rahman, Kyle Mayers, Kamrul Islam Dramatic final over sees Rajshahi edge past Sylhet by 5 runs Sylhet Titans squad: Tawfique Khan, Parvez Hossain Emon (w), Moeen Ali, Afif Hossain, Mominul Haque, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (c), Ethan Brookes, Shohidul Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Ruyel Miah, Salman Irshad, Rony Talukdar, Ariful Islam Jony, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rahatul Ferdous, Zakir Hasan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not approached Scotland about replacing Bangladesh at next month’s men’s T20 World Cup, though Scottish players say they would be ready if needed. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. As the highest-ranked team not in the tournament, Scotland could be considered if Bangladesh withdraws, but Cricket Scotland has not been contacted and is not initiating talks, out of respect for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser Scotland missed out on the 2026 T20 World Cup after finishing fourth in last summer’s Europe Qualifier, with the Netherlands and Italy claiming the two available spots. Their players are currently training ahead of a one-day international tri-series with Namibia and Oman in Windhoek in March. A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Previously, Scotland replaced Zimbabwe at the 2009 T20 World Cup after Zimbabwe pulled out for political reasons. With current T20 World Cup qualifications conducted regionally, any replacement decision is likely to be at the ICC’s discretion. Scotland is currently ranked 14th in the ICC T20 rankings. The ICC could also move Bangladesh’s matches to a less politically sensitive area in India or transfer their games to co-host Sri Lanka. Reports suggest the BCB has requested a group swap with Ireland, whose matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka. Cricket Ireland said its schedule remains unchanged but it is monitoring the situation closely. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB #With inputs from BBC

Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has earned a spot in Wisden's Men's T20 Team of the Year for 2025. His stellar performances across international and franchise cricket over the past year helped them earned it. The cricket-focused website's editorial team compiled the XI based on performances in all recognized T20 matches throughout the calendar year, a period packed with international fixtures and franchise leagues leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Read more: Snubbed by IPL, Mustafizur Rahman snapped up by PSL Wisden highlighted Mustafizur's exceptional discipline, noting that among bowlers who delivered at least 150 overs in 2025, no other bowler came close to his bowling average of 18.03. The publication praised him as the most economical pacer of the year, consistently restricting runs while taking regular wickets. In 2025, Mustafizur claimed 59 wickets in 43 innings with an impressive economy rate of 6.78 and a strike rate of 15.9. He bowled a total of 156.5 overs during the period, with his best figures being 3 for 11. In terms of strike rate, only Caribbean all-rounder Jason Holder (15.4) performed better than Mustafizur among comparable bowlers. The Team of the Year is balanced with two specialist spinners, two pacers, and two pace-bowling all-rounders. Joining Mustafizur in the pace attack is New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, while Jason Holder and England’s Sam Curran occupy the all-rounder slots. The spin department features the mystery duo of Sunil Narine and India’s Varun Chakravarthy. The batting lineup is headlined by India’s Abhishek Sharma, who struck three centuries and maintained a staggering strike rate of 202.01, becoming the first cricketer to score over 1,000 runs in a calendar year at a rate of two runs per ball. Read more: “Days of slavery are over”: Bangladesh’s sports adviser reacts strongly to Mustafizur’s IPL exit He is partnered by England’s Phil Salt, who scored 1,575 runs at a strike rate of 153.35. The middle order includes hard-hitters Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, and Tim David.

The ICC T20 World Cup faces fresh uncertainty as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly halted all national team preparations on Monday (January 19, 2026) with the board instructing team management to develop a ‘contingency plan’ in case Pakistan decides to withdraw from the tournament. Geo News, a mainstream Pakistani media, reported that the PCB has taken this drastic step in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose participation remains in doubt due to security concerns regarding venues in India. Read more: Mustafizur Rahman named in Wisden’s 2025 T20 team of the year Officials stated that Pakistan views Bangladesh’s security apprehensions as “reasonable and valid” and warned that they would reconsider their own participation if these grievances are not addressed. While the PCB has offered to host Bangladesh's matches as an alternative, logistical solutions appear to be narrowing after Cricket Ireland rejected a proposed group swap, confirming they have received “definitive assurances” that they will remain in Sri Lanka. The standoff is fast approaching a breaking point, with a final decision on Bangladesh's participation expected by January 21. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must announce by this deadline whether they will travel to India or forfeit their spot. Should Bangladesh decline to participate, the ICC is expected to nominate Scotland as their replacement based on rankings. Read more: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup deadlock: Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB Despite the BCB's insistence on venue changes, the ICC maintains that there is “no specific threat” to the team and the original schedule remains unchanged. 

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has escalated to a new level, with Pakistan media reporting that the country may review its own participation in the tournament if Bangladesh's security concerns regarding India remain unresolved. The move follows a formal request for support from the Bangladesh government, prompting Islamabad to warn that failing to address these grievances could impact the wider tournament preparations. Pakistan has taken a firm diplomatic stance, emphasizing that no country should face pressure regarding hosting responsibilities and assuring Bangladesh of “full support”. Read More: BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh's fixtures if venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable, citing its readiness following the successful hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, a logistical solution proposed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to swap groups with Ireland appears to have collapsed. Cricket Ireland dismissed reports of a potential exchange, stating they have received “definitive assurances” from the ICC that they will remain in Sri Lanka for the group stages. A Cricket Ireland official confirmed, “We're definitely playing the group stage in Sri Lanka,” effectively rejecting the proposal the BCB tabled during a meeting with ICC executives in Dhaka on Saturday. Read more: Rajshahi Warriors top table with a tense 3-wicket win over Chattogram This development leaves Bangladesh in a precarious position under the current schedule. They remain in Group B alongside West Indies, England, Nepal, and Italy, with three matches scheduled in Kolkata and one in Mumbai starting February 7.//

The Rajshahi Warriors confirmed their status as the group stage leaders of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after securing a hard-fought 3-wicket victory over the Chattogram Royals on Saturday. While both teams had already qualified for the playoffs, this win ensured Rajshahi finished at the top of the points table. Rajshahi captain Nazmul Hossain won the toss and elected to field, a decision vindicated by his bowlers. The BCB-owned Chattogram franchise struggled with the bat, collapsing to 125 all out in 19.5 overs. Pacer Tanzim Hasan was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his 4-over spell. Asif Ali offered some resistance with a 24-ball 39, while Mahmudul Hasan scored 19, but the rest of the lineup faltered against Tanzim, supported by Ryan Burl and Jahandad Khan who took two wickets each. Chasing a modest target of 126, Rajshahi faced a terrifying start, reduced to 27 for 3 inside six overs and teetering at 33 for 4 by the eighth. Chattogram pacer Shoriful Islam ripped through the top order, dismissing openers Tanzid Hasan and Sahibzada Farhan, as well as captain Nazmul. However, a match-winning partnership of 84 runs off 66 balls between Mushfiqur Rahim and Akbar Ali rescued the innings. Man of the Match Akbar Ali shifted the momentum by hitting three consecutive sixes in the 15th over, eventually falling for 48 off 41 balls. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 46 off 41 balls to guide Rajshahi to 126 for 7 with three balls to spare.