United News of Bangladesh

England have named a full-strength squad for next month’s ICC Women’s World Cup, with Nat Sciver-Brunt set to lead the side for the first time at a global event. The World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30, will also see the return of Heather Knight. The former captain has recovered from injury and is back in the 15. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn and batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge are also recalled after missing the India series earlier in the summer. Glenn joins a spin attack led by Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler. Everton’s new stadium debut amid Eze and Isak transfer speculations Head coach Charlotte Edwards said the group reflects both depth and balance. “Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport and I’m delighted for all the players named,” she said. “Like all global tournaments, it will be a huge challenge but if we play our best cricket, we can compete with anyone.” Edwards noted the decision to strengthen the spin options. “Conditions mean we’ve gone for the extra spinner, and it’s fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back. That does mean there’s no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them,” she added. Wyatt-Hodge’s return and Knight’s fitness, she added, bring fresh energy to the batting group. “India is an amazing place to play cricket. ODI World Cups only come around every four years and we have a huge opportunity to do something special,” she said. Bangladesh beat Bhutan to open SAFF U-17 women’s campaign England, four-time champions, begin their campaign against South Africa on October 3. They last lifted the trophy in 2017 and will look to repeat that success. The other teams of the event are: Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. England Women’s Squad for the ICC World Cup: Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.  

Mahbub Anam has stepped aside from the Bangladesh Cricket (BCB) Board election, pulling his name before nominations even opened and leaving the October polls without one of its most familiar figures. Once considered a potential presidential contender, Mahbub recently told reporters that he would not enter the race. “I have already said I won’t take part unless the environment improves, and you know what is happening. What’s going on now, I don’t think it will end anywhere,” he said. The comments highlight the factionalism plaguing the board ahead of the elections, while his decision to withdraw comes amid ongoing controversy. Senior sports journalist Shamim Chowdhury told UNB that Mahbub’s position had eroded. “Multiple ACC investigations are ongoing against him. There are allegations of mishandling board funds. All this has cornered him within the BCB,” he said. Chowdhury added that Mahbub did play a role in shaping Mirpur into a cricket stadium two decades ago, when Australia provided technical support under the supervision of Arafat Rahman Koko, son of then–prime minister Khaleda Zia. Mushfiq: BCB meetings won’t count without action “That chapter is part of his contribution, but it doesn’t erase the pressure he faces today,” he said. His exit narrows the field at a time when former cricketers are pressing for more influence on the board. With directors’ terms ending September 30, the presidential race is still open, but one of its longest-serving names is gone.

South African off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the first one-day international against Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Wednesday. Match officials raised concerns over the legality of Subrayen’s action in their report following the game. The 31-year-old returned figures of 1-46 on his ODI debut as South Africa cruised to a 98-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Under ICC regulations, Subrayen has 14 days to undergo an independent assessment at an accredited testing center. He is permitted to continue bowling until the results are known. Bowlers are allowed up to 15 degrees of elbow extension when delivering the ball. Mehidy Hasan Miraz to miss T20 series against the Netherlands This is not the first time Subrayen’s action has come under scrutiny. Cricket South Africa ruled his action illegal in 2012 before he was cleared the following year after remedial work. He was again reported in 2014 during the Champions League T20, and in 2015 at a domestic T20 tournament. Though he failed a re-assessment in early 2016, he was cleared later that year by CSA’s High Performance Centre. Subrayen, who made his Test debut earlier this year against Zimbabwe and took four wickets in the first innings, adds to South Africa’s concerns as they are already missing pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada due to injury. The remaining two ODIs will be played in Mackay on August 22 and 24. Source: Agency 

Former Bangladesh women’s cricketer Sathira Jakir Jessy has been named among the match officials for the three-match T20 series against the Netherlands in Sylhet. The Bangladesh Cricket Board released the list on Tuesday. Jessy will act as the fourth umpire in the first and third games, and as TV umpire in the second. Neeyamur Rashid Rahul has been appointed match referee. The on-field duties will be shared by Morshed Ali Khan, Tanvir Ahmed and Masudur Rahman Mukul. For Jessy, it is another step up in her officiating career. Since leaving the field as a player — she represented Bangladesh in two ODIs and a T20I — she has worked her way through domestic cricket, the Dhaka Premier League, the Women’s Asia Cup, the Under-19 Women’s Asia Cup, and the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Mushfiq: BCB meetings won’t count without action Her appointment is seen as part of preparations for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka, where she is expected to officiate. The Netherlands squad will arrive in Bangladesh on Aug. 26. The three T20Is are set for Aug. 30, Sept. 1 and Sept. 3, all at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Afterward, Bangladesh will travel to the UAE for the Asia Cup.

Mushfiqur Rahim said the players’ meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was “a good step” but warned that without action it won’t change much. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after attending a trial event for physically challenged cricketers, Mushfiq said, “Until things are actually implemented, these meetings won’t be effective. We’re almost at the end of our careers. What we can do is try to leave behind better grounds, better facilities for the next generation.” The “Share and Care” meeting was held Tuesday at a hotel in Dhaka. It lasted more than two hours. Players raised different issues, including the condition of domestic pitches, according to people who were there. BCB president Aminul Islam told the press after the session that cricketers spoke openly about their concerns. Mushfiq called it a “good initiative,” but repeated that nothing will change without follow-through. Mushfiqur Rahim's 163 puts Bangladesh in control of 1st cricket test against Sri Lanka He also compared Bangladesh with the rest of the cricket world. “World cricket has gone far ahead. Bangladesh is behind. If we can provide support, we can move forward too,” he said. The National League T20 begins September 15, followed by the four-day league. Asked if he plans to play, Mushfiq said: “If a team picks me, yes. I’m preparing physically and mentally. Let’s see.”

Opener Shafali Verma missed out on a home World Cup appearance as the India women’s squad for the ODI tournament was announced Tuesday. Pratika Rawal sealed her place instead as the likely opening partner for vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur at the Sept. 30-Nov. 2 Women's World Cup, will be aiming for its first global title in the 50-over format after twice finishing as runner-up to Australia. Verma featured for India A in Australia, but Rawal’s form – 703 runs in 14 innings since her debut in December -- helped secure the spot. Jemimah Rodrigues makes the cut after missing out in 2022 – a first ODI World Cup appearance for the star batter. No. 3 Harleen Deol, allrounders Amanjot Kaur and Arundhati Reddy, left-arm spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani, and pacer Kranti Goud will also feature in their first World Cup. India will open its World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on Sept. 30. The game was slated to be played in Bengaluru, but a change in venue is anticipated because of the post-Indian Premier League tragedy involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru where 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede. An ICC announcement is expected this week. Bengaluru was also supposed to host the final on Nov. 2, and that could also be changed. Colombo will host the final if Pakistan qualifies. Pakistan will play all its games in Sri Lanka, including against India on Oct. 5. India will play three ODIs with Australia – on Sept. 14, 17 and 20 – in the buildup to the tournament. It will be the fourth time India has hosted the Women's Cricket World Cup in the one-day format. India's women have also never won the world Twenty20 title, their best run finishing in a heavy loss to to Australia in the final in 2020.  

Alex Marshall, the former head of the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit, has warned that those trying to fix matches in Bangladesh will find no place in the game. Marshall, once a senior officer in Britain’s police force, landed in Dhaka this week to start a year-long role as consultant to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). His arrival comes at a tense time, with an independent probe digging into allegations of spot-fixing during the last Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season — including claims that one match had been valued at 400 crore taka. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Marshall said his first task will be to build a new ethics and integrity wing inside the BCB. “The aim is not only to punish but to prevent,” he said. “We’ll make sure players, coaches and officials know the risks and the consequences. Anyone who tries to corrupt cricket here will be removed.” Earlier, Marshall met with BCB president Aminul Islam, chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury and director Iftekhar Rahman. He laid out how the board’s anti-corruption arm could be reshaped, and officials later confirmed it will be reorganized on the back of his advice. Marshall brings weighty credentials. At the ICC, he oversaw high-profile cases that ended with bans for stars such as Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, Zimbabwe’s Heath Streak and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, who was suspended in 2019 for failing to report approaches from fixers. Asked if the BPL risks being seen as a “soft target” for betting syndicates, Marshall did not mince words. Mehidy Hasan Miraz to miss T20 series against the Netherlands “Any poorly managed league is vulnerable,” he said. “The BPL must show professionalism at every level — from team ownership to security on the ground. Otherwise, the wrong people will look to take advantage.” Marshall stressed that his role is not just about policing. He wants to build what he called “a culture of honesty,” ensuring young cricketers grow up with clear ideas of fair play. His brief also includes anti-doping work, which he handled at the ICC. “This is about protecting the sport for fans and players alike,” he said. “Bangladesh lives and breathes cricket, and it deserves a game that is clean and beyond question.”

Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will sit out the upcoming three-match T20 series against the Netherlands in Sylhet, choosing to stay with his family ahead of the birth of his first child. The squad is set to travel to Sylhet on Tuesday evening to begin preparations for the matches on August 30, September 1 and 3 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.  Mehidy, who leads Bangladesh’s one-day side, has taken leave with the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s approval. Soumya Sarkar ruled out of Pakistan tour; Mehidy Hasan Miraz called up Selectors said they expect him to be available for the Asia Cup, which begins later in September in the United Arab Emirates. “If all goes well, he should return before the tournament,” a BCB source told reporters. Bangladesh have yet to announce the final squad for the Netherlands series. The group will be picked from the 25-man preliminary roster that was named earlier for Asia Cup preparations. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain is due to meet head coach Phil Simmons in Sylhet before confirming the line-up. The deadline for all participating teams to submit their Asia Cup squads is August 22, with India and Pakistan already announcing their sides.

Pakistan Cricket Board (BCB) has left out Category A altogether in its latest men’s central contracts, a move that sees former captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan pushed down a tier. The board named 30 players for the 2025–26 cycle. Ten of them are in Category B, including Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi. Also joining that group are Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali. Several of them earned promotions after strong runs over the past year. There are no Category A players this time. Last season, only Babar and Rizwan held that status. Both men were also overlooked for the upcoming Asia Cup squad, a sign of shifting priorities. Category C and D each contain 10 names. Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah and Saud Shakeel are among those in Category C, while Shan Masood, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Khushdil Shah are in Category D. The list includes 12 new additions, a signal that selectors want to broaden the pool and bet on emerging players. Contracts run through June 2026.  

For Bangladesh, clearing the ropes has long been a talking point, as big shots often decide games in modern white-ball cricket where the team has struggled. To address that, the board has brought in Julian Wood, an English coach known for his work on power hitting. Wood’s stay is brief — just 28 days — but the hope is that he can pass on techniques players can carry forward. He started his stint in Dhaka, working with local coaches and women’s players, before moving on to the national squad. After three days of drills in Mirpur, the group will shift to Sylhet this week for a longer skills camp. Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, who has been part of the sessions, said the focus has been on squeezing out extra distance. Nahid Rana leads fitness test as big names struggle “Some players are naturally strong, they’re being shown how to use that better. For those of us who rely on timing, the goal is to add a few meters. If a shot that used to fall short goes for six, that changes things,” Jaker said. Wood has also introduced a training tool called the “Pro Velocity” bat, which makes a sharp sound when swung at the right speed. The idea is to build bat speed and hand-eye coordination. “It feels good when the sound comes, but it takes effort,” Jaker said with a grin. The coach has been clear that no miracles are possible in under a month. But even small gains, he believes, could matter at the Asia Cup, where Bangladesh will face some of the world’s fastest attacks.