United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das named as captain and Saif Hassan as his deputy. The squad announcement, made via a press release on Sunday (January 04, 2026), includes notable exclusions. Najmul Hossain Shanto, despite showing good form in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), has been left out, as has wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali. In total, six players from the 2024 World Cup campaign have been omitted. Read more: BCB eyes ICC intervention for World Cup security following Mustafizur’s IPL exit Veterans Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad are absent, alongside Soumya Sarkar and Tanvir Islam. Nine players have retained their spots from the previous edition, including pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who was recently the center of a diplomatic row after being excluded from the IPL. The squad has a balance of seven batters, three spinners, and five pacers. New inclusions to the setup are Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Nasum Ahmed. The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. Bangladesh is scheduled to face the West Indies in their opening match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Drawn in Group C, Bangladesh will also compete against defending champions England, Italy, and Nepal. Read more: “Days of slavery are over”: Bangladesh’s sports adviser reacts strongly to Mustafizur’s IPL exit While the schedule currently lists three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, the BCB has recently discussed a venue change to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (Captain), Saif Hassan (Vice-Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Shoriful Islam.

The diplomatic fallout from the Indian Premier League's exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman has escalated significantly, with Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul calling for the country’s T20 World Cup matches to be moved out of India. In a blistering statement issued on Saturday, Asif Nazrul condemned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for ordering the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the pacer, accusing the Indian board of “surrendering to radical communal groups.” Nazrul revealed he has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to lodge a formal written explanation with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The directive includes a specific request to relocate Bangladesh's World Cup fixtures to co-host nation Sri Lanka due to safety concerns. BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur from IPL 2026 squad “I have told the board to inform (the ICC) that where a single contracted Bangladeshi cricketer cannot play in India, the entire Bangladesh cricket team cannot feel safe going there to play the World Cup,” Nazrul stated. Raising the stakes further, the Adviser announced he has requested the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the telecast of the IPL within Bangladesh. “We will not accept insults to Bangladesh cricket, cricketers, and the nation under any circumstances,” Nazrul declared. “The days of slavery are over!” The controversy began earlier on Saturday when KKR released Mustafizur following a BCCI directive triggered by political pressure. BJP leader Sangeet Som had praised the move as a “victory for Hindus,” citing alleged violence against minorities in Bangladesh. BCB eyes ICC intervention for World Cup security following Mustafizur’s IPL exit While the decision drew support from India’s ruling party, it faced sharp criticism from opposition figures. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor termed the move “reprehensible,” asking whether the player was being punished for his religion.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has indicated it will bypass Indian authorities and communicate directly with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding security concerns for the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCB directors are scheduled to meet on Saturday night at 9:30 PM to discuss the situation and formally clarify the board's position. This move came after the forced removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL’s upcoming season. With the BCCI instructing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur due to political pressure and threats, questions have arisen regarding the safety of the Bangladesh national team during the World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. When asked if the team would be safe playing in Kolkata and Mumbai, the BCB president Aminul Islam addressed the issue at a press conference in Sylhet on Saturday. “The ICC is organizing the tournament, India is the host,” Aminul stated. “If we need to communicate anything, we will do so with the ICC.” There is speculation that Bangladesh might request a venue change similar to Pakistan, who will play all their World Cup matches in co-host nation Sri Lanka. However, BCB Media Committee head Amzad Hussain noted that “the ICC will decide which venue is suitable.” Despite KKR issuing an official statement confirming Mustafizur's release, the BCB claims it has yet to receive formal communication from the BCCI.

Leaders from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prominent religious figures have praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the removal of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). After the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) issued an official statement on Saturday confirming they had released the pacer per BCCI’s directive, BJP leader Sangeet Som described the move as a triumph for the nation's majority faith. “This is a victory for Hindus across the whole country,” Som told a local news agency. “Thanks to the BCCI for keeping the 100 crore Sanatani Indians in mind. We said yesterday that action would be taken because the emotions of 100 crore people cannot be trifled with.” Som, a former MLA from Uttar Pradesh, had previously attacked KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan for purchasing Mustafizur at the auction, labeling the Bollywood star a “traitor.” Following the player's dismissal, Som added, “Shah Rukh Khan has realized that living in India, one should not go against Sanatanis.” Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap also commended the cricket board's intervention. He stated that the BCCI respected national sentiment regarding alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that the Indian government has been protesting these issues. Mustafizur was originally signed by KKR for a record INR 9.20 crore but was forced out following days of intense political pressure.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League. This move was another indication of the deteriorating relationship between the two neighbours since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which is criticised by the analysts as authoritarian, in 2024, and which had been a close ally of India. The Indian board has also granted the franchise permission to sign a replacement player. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive while speaking to an Indian news agency in Guwahati. Read more: Afghanistan announce T20 squad for World Cup “Due to recent events, the BCCI has instructed the KKR franchise to release the Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from their team,” Saikia said. “The BCCI has further stated that if they wish to replace the player, the BCCI will grant that permission as well,” he added.  The decision comes amidst growing controversy in Bangladesh following reports of violence against religious minorities in India. In recent weeks, a number of attacks have taken place against Muslim minorities in India.  The same kind of incidence of religious intolerance took place in Bangladesh as well. In one incident, a garment worker was killed by a mob that accused him of insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Bangladesh government arrested around a dozen people who were involved in the incident.  Indian media outlets report that Mustafizur's contract with KKR faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Prominent Indian figures had called for his removal, with religious leader Devkinandan Thakur urging KKR management to drop the cricketer. Along with that, hard-liner BJP leader Sangeet Som publicly criticised franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan for the acquisition. Mustafizur was the sole Bangladeshi player secured during last month's auction, despite seven players from the nation being on the list. KKR signed him for INR 9.20 crore, a record transfer fee for a Bangladeshi cricketer in the tournament's history. Read more: Khawaja calls out racial stereotypes in powerful farewell address While earlier reports indicated the BCCI was awaiting government guidance regarding the participation of Bangladeshi players, this latest directive confirms the board's final stance on the matter.

In an emotive farewell address ahead of his final Test match, Usman Khawaja has delivered a stark message about the racial prejudices that still exist within Australian cricket. While confirming his retirement at the SCG, the 39-year-old took aim at the “double standards” he faced during his career, particularly during the recent Ashes series. Khawaja said that the intense scrutiny he received after missing the Perth Test due to back spasms. Critics had linked the injury to him playing golf in the days leading up to the match. Khawaja rejected this, suggesting the criticism questioned his work ethic in a way that wouldn’t happen to other players. “These are the same racial stereotypes I've grown up with my whole life,” Khawaja said. “It wasn't even about my performances. It was quite personal.” He drew a sharp comparison to how other Australian cricketers are treated. “I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners the night before and then gotten injured, no one said a word. That’s all right – they are just being Aussie larrikins,” he noted. “But when I get injured, everyone went at my credibility.” Despite the frustration, Khawaja acknowledged that the sport has become more welcoming since his debut 15 years ago. As a key figure in Cricket Australia's Multicultural Action Plan, his goal has been to smooth the path for future players of diverse backgrounds. “What I'm hoping is the journey for the next Usman Khawaja is a little bit easier,” he explained. “And then we get to a point... that the journey for an Usman Khawaja is the same as it is for a John Smith.” Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg backed the veteran batter, admitting the sport still has work to do but praising Khawaja for leaving a legacy “far deeper than his on-field contribution.”

Usman Khawaja has confirmed that the upcoming Sydney Ashes Test will be his final appearance in international cricket. The 39-year-old veteran opener announced his decision on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011 and grew up watching the game. Khawaja fronted the media with his extended family—including his parents, wife Rachel, and children—by his side. The announcement was highly emotional. He revealed that he had broken down in tears when informing his Australian teammates just moments before the press conference. “I never thought I'd be the guy that would cry when he retired, but I cried straightaway,” Khawaja admitted. “It just shows what it means to me. My journey has been different to a lot of cricketers in the Australian cricket team.” His 88th and final Test brings a 15-year international career to a close. Khawaja leaves the game as one of Australia’s most resilient cricketers. His career was often turbulent with frequent exclusions from the squad. However, his recall to the side in 2022 sparked a golden run of form, cementing his status as a premier opener. Beyond the statistics—which currently stand at 6,206 runs and 16 Test centuries—Khawaja’s legacy is defined by his role as a pioneer. As Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, he became a powerful advocate for diversity in sport. “I'm a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team – look at me now,” he said. While he is stepping away from the international stage, Khawaja is not hanging up the bat entirely. He intends to continue playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and remains available for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

An all-round performance by Afghanistan international Azmatullah Omarzai proved decisive as the Sylhet Titans edged the Dhaka Capitals by six runs in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) encounter at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Dhaka initially kept the Sylhet batting lineup in check. The Titans lost five wickets for 122 in 16 overs, despite a measured 44 from opener Parvez Hossain Emon. However, Omarzai single-handedly shifted the momentum with a breathtaking unbeaten fifty His 50 not-out came off just 24 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and three maximums, propelling Sylhet to a competitive total of 173 for 5. Salman Mirza was the best bowler for Dhaka, claiming 2, but leaking more than 40 runs. In pursuit of 174, the Capitals' innings started disastrously. The top order crumbled, with pacers Mohammad Amir and Omarzai taking wickets early. Dhaka slumped to a precarious 43/5 in just the eighth over, facing an uphill battle for survival. Enter Shamim Hossain. The left-hander launched a counter-attack, finding an able partner in Sabbir Rahman. Shamim's aggressive knock saw him race to a fifty off 32 balls, keeping Dhaka's faint hopes alive. His unbeaten 81 off 43 balls was a masterclass in crisis management. Despite Shamim's heroics, the early deficit proved too large to overcome. Omarzai returned to close out the innings effectively, finishing with figures of 3 for 40 to complement his batting performance. Nasum Ahmed also chipped in with two crucial wickets. Dhaka eventually fell six runs short of Sylhet. With this win, the Titans now stand at the second position in the points table.    

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup taking place in India and Sri Lanka this year. The ACB called back Gulbadin Naib and Naveen Ul Haq for the event. Rashid Khan, the premium Afghan spinner, will lead the team in the World Cup. The duo was not part of the Afghanistan team in their last assignment against Zimbabwe. While they made a comeback, some players were left off the squad who were the parts of the recent matches. Afghanistan will play in the Group D in the World Cup along with New Zealand, South Africa, The UAE, and Canada. A total of 20 teams will participate in this year’s T20 World Cup in four groups, with each group consisting of five teams. The World Cup will be played across eight venues— five in India, and three in Sri Lanka.    

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will not be played in Chattogram this season, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revising the tournament schedule and shifting all fixtures originally allocated to the port city to Sylhet. Under the earlier plan, the Chattogram leg was set to begin on January 5. However, BPL officials confirmed that those matches have now been relocated to Sylhet, extending the Sylhet phase of the tournament from January 2 to January 12.  The competition will then move to Dhaka, where the knockout rounds and final will be staged. BPL Governing Council member secretary Iftekhar Rahman said the media that the decision was taken to ease broadcast logistics and to align preparations with Bangladesh’s upcoming T20 World Cup commitments. With limited time to relocate production equipment between venues, organisers opted to consolidate the group-stage fixtures in Sylhet before shifting operations to the capital. The schedule was also adjusted following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia on December 30. Two matches scheduled that day were postponed as a mark of respect and will now be played on January 4 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. In total, Sylhet will host matches from December 26 through January 12, including the rescheduled fixtures and all games originally planned for Chattogram. The Dhaka phase will begin on January 15 and feature the final round of league matches, followed by the playoffs. The first eliminator and the second qualifier will be played on January 19, with another qualifier scheduled for January 21. The final of the tournament will take place in Dhaka on January 23, as originally planned.