United News of Bangladesh

Mohammad Mithun walked out of the BCB Academy building in Mirpur on Thursday evening with garlands around his neck and a small crowd of players around him. A smile gave it away long before the formal announcement: he had been elected president of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). The vote itself was a landmark. Since CWAB’s birth in 2004, positions had always been filled uncontested. This time, the presidency went to a ballot. Out of 215 registered voters, 190 cast ballots either online or in person. Two were declared invalid. Mithun took 154 of the remaining votes, comfortably ahead of former cricketer and referee Salim Shahed, who finished with 34. “I see CWAB and the BCB as part of one family,” Mithun told reporters afterwards. “The board is our guardian. If we have concerns, we should be able to raise them. And I hope the board will listen positively. My aim is to spread CWAB’s activities beyond Dhaka, so every cricketer feels this body is theirs.” Most other posts were filled without contest. Shahriar Hossain was confirmed as senior vice-president, and current wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan as vice-president. Among the executive members are Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rumana Ahmed, Khaled Mashud and Imrul Kayes. The result ends the long tenure of Naimur Rahman and Debabrata Paul, who led CWAB for more than a decade before stepping aside last year, in the wake of the July Uprising. Mithun now takes over at a time when cricketers, perhaps more than ever, are looking for their collective voice to be heard.

Amit Mishra, the legspinner who quietly built a reputation as one of India’s most durable bowlers, has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 42. Mishra’s international career ran from 2003 to 2017 and included 22 Tests, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is. His last appearance for India came eight years ago, but he kept playing the IPL until last season, turning out for Lucknow Super Giants. He also played for Delhi, Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad, finishing with 174 wickets in 162 IPL matches — eighth on the all-time list and still the only bowler with three hat-tricks in the tournament. “I’ve been fortunate to share dressing rooms with legends like Sachin and Dhoni and later with players like Rohit,” Mishra said in a statement. “Not everyone gets a grand farewell, but cricket has given me everything. I always tried to play with heart.” His Test debut came in 2008 against Australia in Mohali, where he claimed five wickets in the match. But with Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh firmly established, his chances were often limited. India greenlights Asia Cup, draws red line on bilateral cricket with Pakistan He admitted to frustrations over the years but said he drew motivation from the simple fact that he was among the select few to wear the India shirt. Mishra’s domestic record is equally rich: 535 wickets in first-class cricket, 252 in List A, and even a double century in the Ranji Trophy. For Haryana, he was a constant figure through the 2000s and 2010s, keeping the flame of classical legspin alive.

For Fatima Sana, the Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka is more than another tournament. It is a chance to change Pakistan’s story in the format. The 23-year-old allrounder will captain Pakistan for the first time at the event, starting September 30, and she is clear about the target. “This time, the jinx will definitely be broken,” she said to ICC. “We won’t think about the past. My goal is to take the team to the semifinals.” Pakistan’s past in the competition makes the ambition striking. Since debuting in 1997, they have featured in five editions but managed only three wins, the last against West Indies in 2022. Yet under Sana’s leadership, there is a flicker of optimism. Her team went unbeaten in the qualifiers earlier this year, sealing their place with a run that suggested more resilience than in previous campaigns. Off the field, too, the landscape is shifting. The ICC’s recent decision to quadruple the prize money to $13.88 million has been hailed as a breakthrough. “It will inspire girls back home,” Sana said. “Cricket is now on television, schools are encouraging it. This is the barrier we want to break through this World Cup.” Amir hits 400 T20 wickets, second Pakistani to reach the landmark Pakistan open against Bangladesh in Colombo on October 2. For Sana, that night will not just mark a debut as World Cup captain but the beginning of a push to take Pakistan women’s cricket where it has never been before

Nearly three months after 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade, Virat Kohli has broken his silence. In a statement shared by the franchise, the former captain described June 4 as a day of heartbreak. “What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history turned into something tragic,” Kohli said. “I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost and for the fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.” Current skipper Rajat Patidar also spoke, acknowledging the fans’ grief and promising solidarity. “Every time I walk out for RCB, it’s with passion, and that passion comes from you,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, I want you to know we stand with you too. With all of us holding on to each other, we’ll find our strength again.” Avneet Kaur on Virat Kohli liking her post: "let the love keep coming" The franchise has announced that it will build a permanent memorial in Bengaluru to honor the 11 supporters who died. Families of the victims will also receive compensation of 25 lakh rupees each. RCB outlined broader plans under a new “RCB Cares” initiative, including stronger safety protocols in partnership with stadium authorities and long-term community programs in Karnataka.

Bangladesh will head to the Asia Cup on the back of another T20 series win, their third in a row, and captain Litton Das says the team feel ready for what lies ahead. The Tigers wrapped up the three-match contest against the Netherlands 2-0 in Sylhet, with the last game washed out by heavy rain. That came after back-to-back 2-1 wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. For Litton, the Dutch series was less about the scoreline and more about the work done beforehand. “We had a really good camp,” he said, pointing to the fitness work in Dhaka and the skill sessions that followed in Sylhet. “Fitness you can do anywhere, but the kind of practice we wanted was only possible there. I think the whole process was very good for us.” There were, of course, questions about whether enough batters had time in the middle. In both wins, Bangladesh’s top order did most of the job, leaving little for the rest. Litton didn’t see it as a problem. Tamim links Shakib’s cricket comeback to legal battles at home “Of course, it would be better if more players got the chance. But the fact that they didn’t was because the top order was doing so well. That’s a good sign before a big tournament.” He stressed that real improvement comes from match time, not just nets. “Whoever played did well,” he said. “Only Saifuddin didn’t really get the chance.” Bangladesh open their Asia Cup campaign on September 11 against Hong Kong in the UAE, with Litton upbeat about the timing. “I believe we are well prepared,” he said.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has said Shakib Al Hasan will only be able to resume his national career if he comes back to the country and faces the legal cases pending against him. Speaking on a cricket podcast this week, Tamim — who is preparing to contest the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election — was asked about Shakib’s chances of returning to the national side. The two men, once close teammates, have been seen on opposite ends of the country’s cricket and political landscape. Shakib confirms move to US Minor League, joins Atlanta Fire Shakib, who was an MP of the Awami League government toppled in last year’s July uprising, has been living abroad since and faces multiple cases, including a murder charge. “He’s an active cricketer, he’s a Bangladeshi cricketer,” Tamim said. “If he is fit, training, and the selectors feel he deserves a place, of course he can return. But bringing him back isn’t in my hands — there are legal matters involved.” Tamim stressed that the board cannot intervene in court case. “To play for Bangladesh, he must first come back, train with the team, and fight his cases in court. That’s the reality. I won’t hide it. This is his country and his career. What he chooses to do is up to him,” Tamim added.  Shakib, now 38, has not played for Bangladesh since 2024. His uncertain future continues to hang over the team at a time of political upheaval and transition in cricket administration.

What began as a lively contest in Sylhet ended in frustration on Wednesday night, as heavy rain forced the abandonment of the third T20I between Bangladesh and the Netherlands. With no further play possible after multiple interruptions, the match was declared a no-result, giving Bangladesh the series 2-0. Put in to bat for the first time in the series, Bangladesh raced to 67 in the powerplay thanks to captain Litton Das’s fluent stroke play. He punished anything loose, striking six fours and four sixes in a 46-ball 73 before falling to Kyle Klein in the 15th over. Saif Hassan had earlier made 12, while Shamim Hossain added 21. A late flourish came from Jaker Ali (20 not out) and Nurul Hasan (22 not out), who lifted the total to 164 for 4 in 18.2 overs. The innings, however, was punctuated by rain delays and even a brief floodlight failure. Klein picked up three wickets but leaked 53 runs, while Tim Pringle was the most economical Dutch bowler with 1 for 18. T20I Series v Netherlands: Bangladesh seal series with crushing win as bowlers dominate As the covers stayed on after 9 pm and drizzle turned into a downpour, officials eventually called time at 9:45 pm. It meant the Netherlands never got the chance to chase under the DLS method. Litton, with 145 runs across the series, was named Player of the Series. For Bangladesh, the dominant 2-0 result offered momentum heading into a packed calendar, even if the third of the three-match T20Is belonged to Sylhet’s rain.

Ravichandran Ashwin could become the first Indian star to play in Australia’s Big Bash League, with Cricket Australia confirming talks with the veteran spinner. CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said he personally reached out to Ashwin after the 38-year-old retired from the IPL last week. Ashwin had hinted he wanted to “explore” franchise cricket beyond India, and the BBL may be his first stop. “To get someone with Ashwin’s credentials to come over here for the BBL will be great at so many levels,” as Greenberg was quoted by Indian cricket news website Cricbuzz. “He’s a champion cricketer who will bring a lot to the Big Bash and to our summer.” The discussions are still at an early stage. CA must work out how many matches he could play, which club would sign him, and how to fit him into squads that have already spent their overseas budgets. There is speculation he could land in Melbourne if a deal is struck. For the BBL, Ashwin’s arrival would be a coup. The league has often been accused of lacking global star power. Bringing in one of India’s most decorated cricketers — a World Cup winner with more than 700 international wickets — would not only lift the competition’s profile but also attract new audiences across South Asia. Rashid Khan sets world record for most T20I wickets It could also open a door for other Indian players once their IPL careers wind down. If Ashwin takes the plunge, names like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma may one day follow. For Ashwin, the BBL might be the first step in his new chapter as a freelance player, coach-in-waiting, and broadcaster. For the Big Bash, it could be the jolt of relevance it has been seeking.  

When Aminul Islam Bulbul was thrust into the BCB presidency in May, he compared his role to a “quick T20 innings.” Three months on, the former national captain says he isn’t ready to walk back to the pavilion just yet. On Tuesday, during a visit to the Sylhet District Stadium, Aminul told reporters he will contest for a director’s post in next month’s Bangladesh Cricket Board election. Winning a seat there would keep open his path to stay on as president. “The work we began is moving in the right direction,” he said recently. “I don’t want to leave things halfway. That’s the only reason I want to continue.” His words mark a shift. Initially, Aminul insisted he had no interest in staying long. He was nominated to the post by the National Sports Council after Faruque Ahmed was removed earlier this year. Now he says if his “quick innings” continues, it might stretch into a “fifty-over knock.” The BCB election is set for the first week of October. Twenty-five directors will be chosen — 12 from Dhaka clubs, 10 from regional associations, one from institutions, and two nominated by the NSC. From among them, the president and vice-presidents are picked. Aminul has yet to say which category he will represent. What makes this race compelling is the likely presence of another heavyweight: Tamim Iqbal. The recently retired captain has already signaled his intent and is believed to be forming a panel. If both push ahead, Bangladesh cricket could see a rare contest between two former skippers for the top job. Aminul insisted he isn’t treating it as a personal rivalry. BCB president eyes school cricket overhaul to spot next generation of cricket stars “There has been no discussion between us,” he said. “But respect will remain. We’re all here for cricket, and to take it forward.” Behind the scenes, the politics is messy: the board’s stalled regional structure, unfinished reforms, and a looming election in October. But for now, Aminul — who once promised a short stay — is preparing to bat on.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has climbed to the top of world cricket once again, this time as the highest wicket-taker in men’s T20 internationals.   On Monday night in Sharjah, Rashid took three wickets for just 21 runs against the United Arab Emirates in a tri-series match. Afghanistan won the game by 38 runs after defending 189, with UAE managing only 150 for 8.   Those three scalps were enough to push Rashid past New Zealand pacer Tim Southee’s record of 164 wickets.   The 26-year-old leg-spinner now has 165 wickets in 98 matches, setting a new global benchmark in the format.   His achievement comes after a difficult run in recent tournaments — a lean IPL and an underwhelming stint in The Hundred — making the timing significant with the Asia Cup just around the corner.   Bangladesh fans will note their own names in the mix. Shakib Al Hasan sits further down the list with 149 wickets from 129 matches, while Mustafizur Rahman has 142 in 113. New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi is also in the top bracket with 150 wickets from 126 matches.   For Rashid, though, Monday night was about putting the struggles aside and reminding the world why he remains one of cricket’s premier match-winners.