United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has admitted that the upcoming white-ball series against India, scheduled for August, is now in doubt due to political uncertainty. Speaking after the BCB’s 19th board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday, BCB President Aminul Islam confirmed that discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are ongoing but no final decision has been made. “We’re having positive discussions with the BCCI,” Aminul said. “If they can’t come in the August window, they’ll look at another available slot. They are currently waiting for their government’s decision.” India were set to visit Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is. However, the tour’s fate now hinges on political clearance from Indian authorities, with the BCCI reportedly awaiting a green light from the government.  

Defending champions Rangpur Riders are aiming to retain their crown in the 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to begin on July 10 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The Riders will start their campaign against the home team, Guyana Amazon Warriors, before facing Hobart Hurricanes on July 13. They are also set to play Dubai Capitals and Central Districts on July 16 and 17, respectively. Nurul Hasan Sohan, the Riders’ captain, expressed confidence ahead of starting their journey.  “Nobody gave us a chance last year, yet we became champions. This time the challenge is different, but our belief is stronger,” he said during a jersey unveiling event at Bashundhara Sports City.  “Winning the GSL was a proud chapter for Bangladesh cricket. We want to build on that. Everyone expects something from Bangladesh cricket, and we’re ready to handle the pressure,” Nurul added. Due to his commitments with Derbyshire in the English County Championship, South African coach Mickey Arthur will not be present physically. Kuldeep eyes Test return with advice from former England star However, he will continue to guide the team remotely. Greg Smith will serve as head coach on the ground under Arthur’s supervision. Team Director Shanian Taneem confirmed that former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful will once again be part of the coaching setup after playing a key role last season. Rangpur Riders squad for GSL: Nurul Hasan Sohan (c), Soumya Sarkar, Kyle Mayers, Saif Hassan, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Akif Javed, Rakibul Hasan, Tabraiz Shamsi, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafey, Kamrul Islam, Khaled Ahmed.

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav is eyeing a return to the Test side for the second match against England at Edgbaston, equipped with advice from an unlikely ally — former England batter Kevin Pietersen. Kuldeep hasn’t played a red-ball match outside Asia in more than six years and last featured in Tests during India’s home series against New Zealand in October 2024.  But a recurring back injury of Jasprit Bumrah may pave the way for Kuldeep.  Speaking to The Indian Express, Kuldeep said he had in-depth discussions with Pietersen during their time together at Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Who could handle the burden of Bangladesh's Test captaincy? “He gave me a lot of inputs for the England tour — on field placements, pitches, batters, and the mindset needed,” Kuldeep said. Pietersen’s key advice? Approach bowling in England with an attacking mindset. “He told me spinners often come to England with a defensive approach, thinking fast bowlers will get all the wickets. But he said I must think about how to dismiss batters even if I get just 15–20 overs,” Kuldeep added.  Kuldeep has a solid Test record, bagging 56 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 22.16. Though more known for his white-ball success — including key roles in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 wins — he’s keen to make a red-ball impact. Bazball Brilliance: Ben Duckett’s Rise Reshaping England’s Game “Bowling is the only thing I know,” Kuldeep said. “If you don’t take wickets, you don’t deserve to play — whether in India or England. I know if I get my revs and drift right, wickets will come.”  

Steve Smith is on track to return to Australia’s playing XI for the second Test of the ongoing series against the West Indies. To make way for him, Australia may rest Josh Inglish, who failed to impress in the first Test. Smith missed the first Test in Barbados due to a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship Final earlier this month. Pakistan appoints its former pacer Azhar Mahmood as head coach With the stitches now removed and movement improving, the veteran batter joined the squad in Grenada and is expected to take part in full practice on Tuesday. “It's not too bad,” Smith said, as reported by ICC. “I’ve got a lot of movement now, and hitting the ball feels completely fine. The only adjustment will be fielding — I won’t be at slip but likely at mid-on or fine leg.” Australia won the opening Test by 159 runs, but their top order looked shaky. Inglis, filling in at No.4, managed just 5 and 12 in the two innings. With Smith returning to the middle order, Inglis is the most likely to make room. The second Test begins Thursday in Grenada as Australia look to seal the three-match series.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the acting head coach of the men’s red-ball team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday.   Before being appointed to a role, Azhar was the bowling coach and assistant head coach of the Pakistan team. He will continue in the new role until the end of his current contract.    His appointment comes as the PCB continues to shape the team ahead of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.   A seasoned figure in Pakistan cricket, Azhar brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.   He has two County Championship titles to his name and is respected for his tactical acumen and leadership in red-ball cricket.   “Having served as assistant head coach, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core,” the PCB said in a statement.   BCB to celebrate 25 years of Test status Thursday with special reception   “His deep knowledge of the game, hands-on international exposure, and success in county cricket make him exceptionally suited for this role,” the statement further reads.    Azhar takes over from former fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who had filled the position on an interim basis following the departure of Jason Gillespie late last year.   His first challenge as red-ball coach will be preparing the national team for their upcoming home series against South Africa later this year — Pakistan’s opening assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle.   The PCB expressed confidence that under Azhar’s leadership, the Test team will grow in “strength, discipline, and performance” on the global stage.

By the numbers, Anamul Haque has built a stunning domestic career. But the same career feels faded whenever he is tested at a higher level of cricket. With over 9,000 first-class runs, 24 centuries, and a recent Dhaka Premier League season where he piled up 874 runs with four hundreds, it was impossible for the selectors to ignore him for the just-concluded Test series in Sri Lanka. But he fails again.  The contrasting performance of Anamul in domestic and international cricket produces similar disappointments— repeated promise and failure. This isn't just about one player; it points to a fundamental flaw in Bangladesh cricket’s structure. Anamul’s latest Test opportunity came off the back of undeniable domestic form. His call-up mid-DPL, his spot in the Zimbabwe Test, and later the Sri Lanka series all seemed perfectly reasonable on paper. The results, though, were predictably frustrating. Scores of 0, 4, 0, 19 across four innings in Sri Lanka did little to reassure observers, and his technique, particularly against spin, looked hesitant and behind the times, despite years in the game. His exclusion from the Sri Lanka ODI series, so soon after his return, shows how risky it is to pick players based only on domestic performance. Hitting a century after century at the domestic circuit was once considered the main reason to include a player in the national team, but in recent times, domestic runs don’t hold true value for international cricket.  Anamul's career perfectly shows how domestic stats can mislead national team selectors if he's not facing high-quality bowling. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain and panel member Abdur Razzak have both acknowledged the issue. “It’s disappointing,” Razzak said in the press briefing. “But we can’t completely discard domestic performers because of one failure. If we stop valuing domestic cricket, what benchmark do we have?” The selectors maintain that players like Anamul, Zakir Hasan, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy will remain part of the setup. But the crucial question persists: does Bangladesh’s domestic circuit genuinely prepare players for the tactical, mental, and technical rigours of international cricket? But the selection of Mohammad Naim for the upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka brings up a different story. Over the past two years, he has reshaped his game to meet the demands of modern cricket.  He posted 618 runs in this year’s Premier League at a strong strike rate and was praised for showing the kind of intent and intensity the selectors reportedly want. In contrast, Anamul’s game seems to be stuck in the past. He only focuses on scoring runs at the domestic level, but fails to adapt to different conditions or different quality of bowling, which makes him unlikely to perform at the international level.  Overall, Anamul’s different kind of performance at the domestic and international level puts Bangladesh’s domestic cricket system under a serious question.  

After Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down as Bangladesh’s Test captain, the BCB is in a bit of a bind as to who they can turn to next, with no obvious candidates presenting themselves.  Bangladesh currently has two different captains for T20Is and ODIs. It would seem sensible to give it to one of them, since most teams try to avoid three different captains for the three formats of cricket. But it is not clear if either of the two - Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz -  is too keen to add the Test role, or if the BCB is considering other candidates. Najmul did not specify why he opted to abdicate the Test captaincy, although it was expected for a while. However, the move suggests possible issues with the board, particularly after Mehidy's appointment as ODI captain (replacing Najmul). Whatever the reason, Najmul is no longer leading Bangladesh in Tests. The team must now identify its new Test leader. Looking back to the squad of Bangladesh’s last Test shows that only two men— Litton or Mehidy— can take the role.  Litton currently captains Bangladesh's T20I side and has previous experience leading the Test team in one match. He did not emerge as a captain during his age-group days, nor was he pegged as a future leader after years in the national side. But when given the chance with the responsibility, he led the team effectively. And at the same time, as one of Bangladesh's premier Test batters, he remains a strong contender for the role. Having played 50 Tests, he is among the country's most experienced players. Mehidy is another contender for the role. Newly appointed as ODI captain, he could be ready to add the Test leadership. He also has experience leading Bangladesh in two Tests during 2024. The right-arm off-spinning allrounder has played 54 Tests, a record that makes him a stronger candidate for the role. He also boasts experience leading teams at age-group and domestic levels regularly.  While less likely, Mominul Haque remains a contender by virtue of his regular Test status. Long overlooked for ODIs and T20Is, he retains a place in the Test team and possesses experience leading the side for three years. Najmul stands by batting first call, blames first innings collapse for defeat It’s understood Mominul is less inclined to reclaim the role currently, but should the situation demand, he might reconsider. Having played 74 Tests, he stands among the region's most seasoned campaigners. The board might also consider former long-term captain Mushfiqur Rahim if seeking a short-term solution. Mushfiqur led Bangladesh for over five years and possesses proven leadership qualities. But the only drawback is his career is nearing its end. He has already retired from white-ball cricket and has limited time remaining in the red-ball format. So the question remains: would he take on the captaincy now? But equally, if the board is looking for a short-term transitional solution, Mushfiqur might prove the best choice.  Another name circulating within the Bangladesh cricket fraternity is Taijul Islam. The left-arm spinner holds a near-permanent place in the Bangladesh Test team and has years of experience. Months ago, during another phase of captaincy uncertainty, Taijul expressed his readiness to take on the role should the board require him. As the country again faces difficulty identifying its Test leader, Taijul emerges as a potential choice. He lacks a star persona, but his Test record, understanding of the game, and experience make him a significant option to guide Bangladesh's Test future. The other members of the current Test squad are either inexperienced or not yet ready for the Test captaincy. So the next captain might come out from these five players.//

In the fast-paced world of international cricket, few rises have been as rapid and transformative as that of Ben Duckett. The left-handed opener has become a linchpin for England across formats, epitomising the fearless “Bazball” philosophy that has revitalised the team under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. From his early days as a schoolboy prodigy to his current status as one of the world’s most dynamic batters, Duckett’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and unrelenting ambition. His performances in 2025 – including a record-shattering 165 against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy – have cemented his reputation as a global star, while a supportive sporting family and newfound perspective as a father keep him grounded and driven. Dominating 2025 with Bazball Aggression Duckett’s 2025 has been a year of milestones, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure in all formats. In February, he made history in the Champions Trophy by blasting 165 off 143 balls (with 17 fours and 3 sixes) against Australia. It was the highest individual score in the tournament’s history at the time and stands as the fifth-highest one-day score ever by an England batter. Duckett’s aggressive yet controlled innings dismantled a world-class Australian bowling attack, drawing praise from fans and pundits alike. England great Jonathan Agnew noted that Duckett “would have been infuriating to bowl at” and is establishing himself as “one of the most versatile and destructive batters across all formats”. Even in Test cricket, Duckett continued to shine: he struck a brisk 62 in the first innings and a match-winning 149 in the second innings of England’s thrilling chase against India at Headingley, Leeds. Former captain Michael Vaughan was so impressed that he hailed Duckett as arguably the top all-format opener in the world, ahead of the likes of Aiden Markram and Travis Head. “Pound for pound, I reckon he is the best all-format batsman in international cricket right now,” Vaughan wrote, noting that while others excel in one format, none match Duckett’s impact across all three. Duckett’s versatility extends to the shortest format as well. He was part of England’s squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup and remains a force in white-ball cricket. Domestically, he stars for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred and has honed his game in franchise leagues like Australia’s Big Bash and Pakistan’s PSL. His ability to adapt and dominate in any arena underlines his global appeal. As BBC’s Agnew put it, Duckett is “one of the best all-format batters in the world” – a bowler’s nightmare who can make good deliveries vanish to the boundary. Read more: Najmul steps down as Bangladesh Test captain after Colombo defeat A Journey of Resilience and Redemption Duckett’s path to international stardom began in Farnborough, Kent, where he was born in 1994. Raised in a sports-loving family – his mother, Jayne, represented Britain in lacrosse – he grew up immersed in competition. He attended Stowe School on a sports scholarship, excelling in cricket, hockey, and football. His school coach James Knott credits Duckett’s hockey background for his mastery of the reverse sweep, an audacious shot that has become a hallmark of his batting. Indeed, by the time Duckett arrived at Stowe, he “could already play the reverse sweep and switch hit” thanks to those hockey-honed skills. At age 17, Duckett debuted for Northamptonshire in 2012 while still studying for his A-levels. He soon blossomed into a domestic run machine. In 2015 he amassed 1,002 County Championship runs at an average of 52.73, and in 2016 he exploded with a career-best 282* and over 1,300 first-class runs. That year he swept the Cricket Writers’ and PCA Young Player of the Year awards, earning a call-up to England’s Test and ODI squads. However, early international success proved elusive. He struggled against quality spin in India in late 2016 and was dropped after a few low scores. Then, in 2017, a moment of poor judgement on an Ashes tour – pouring a drink over teammate James Anderson in a Perth bar – led to a suspension and stalled his England hopes. These setbacks could have derailed Duckett, but instead they became fuel for his comeback. His redemption arc began in 2022 when the new Bazball ethos created an opening for his aggressive style. Recalled for the tour of Pakistan, Duckett immediately justified the faith: he struck a blazing maiden Test century (107 off 110 balls) in his first match back and piled up 357 runs in that 3-0 series sweep at an average over 70. He even weathered a painful blow to the thumb to score 85 in England’s record-breaking innings of 823/7 declared in Multan. Since re-establishing himself, Duckett has not looked back. He notched his highest Test score, 182, against Ireland in 2023, and by 2024 he had become the fastest batsman in history to reach 2,000 Test runs in terms of balls faced – a testament to his brisk scoring rate. Forming a formidable opening partnership with fellow Bazballer Zak Crawley, Duckett has consistently given England rapid starts. In one 2024 home Test, he smashed a 32-ball half-century on his way to 71 off 59 against the West Indies, a knock made all the more memorable as he raced the clock with his first child’s birth imminent. Such an innings, full of intent and imagination, has firmly entrenched him in England’s plans. Read more: Devon Conway left out of New Zealand squad for T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe, South Africa Family, Fatherhood and Fearless Motivation Behind Duckett’s success is a close-knit family and a fresh outlook on life. His father, Graham, a financial adviser and Marylebone Cricket Club member, doubles as his agent and has been a steady guiding figure. Duckett also has two sisters, Meg and Emma, who stay out of the limelight but remain part of his support system. In December 2023, he got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, model Paige Ogborne, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Margot, in July 2024. Becoming a father has given Duckett a new sense of perspective. “It’s been different for so many reasons,” he said of balancing cricket with parenthood, “but I’ve found it really switches me off between games. I don’t spend as long... dwelling on what’s happened.” Whether he has a good day or a bad day on the field, the simple duty of changing diapers at home keeps him grounded. “Suddenly, there’s something more important than cricket and scoring runs,” Duckett reflected, noting that fatherhood has helped him move past failures faster. This mental freedom has arguably made him an even more dangerous player, allowing him to play with the uninhibited joy that Bazball encourages.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has stood by his decision to bat first in the second Test in Colombo but admitted that a poor batting display in the first innings set the tone for the innings-and-78-run defeat to Sri Lanka. Bangladesh collapsed in the second innings of the match as well. They were behind by more than 200 runs after the first innings of each team. Then they failed to surpass the first innings lead of Sri Lanka.  After drawing the opening Test in Galle—where Najmul struck centuries in both innings and Bangladesh dominated for long periods—expectations were high heading into Colombo. However, the visitors faltered with the bat, getting bowled out for 247 in their first innings before conceding 458 to Sri Lanka. The collapse continued in the second innings, with Bangladesh dismissed for just 133. Najmul steps down as Bangladesh Test captain after Colombo defeat “I still believe batting first was the right call. The pitch was a bit slow, but we didn’t bat well,” Najmul said after the match. “The way we lost our wickets, it wasn’t good. We were often looking for the easy way out.” He pointed specifically to the first innings as the turning point of the match. “We had opportunities in this Test too, but we couldn’t make them count. Especially the way we batted in the first innings—it wasn’t what we had hoped for. That’s what cost us the game,” he said. Najmul, who just retired from Test captaincy, acknowledged that most batters threw their wickets away under little pressure. “There were mistakes from the top to the lower order. We didn’t build partnerships or show patience. That hurt us,” he said. Dismal batting hands Bangladesh a heavy defeat in Colombo While praising the bowlers for picking up eight wickets on the third day to bowl Sri Lanka out, Najmul was clear that the game was already beyond reach. “We just didn’t do enough with the bat to stay in the contest,” he said.  

Najmul Hossain Shanto has announced his decision to step down as Bangladesh’s Test captain. He announced it just minutes after Bangladesh’s innings and 78-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shanto confirmed that he had already informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of his decision. “I’ve made up my mind and communicated it to the board,” Najmul said. Najmul was appointed captain across all formats in 2024. Earlier this year, he was removed from T20I leadership, with Litton Das replacing him.  During the first Test in the Sri Lanka series, the board named Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new ODI captain — a decision reportedly made without prior consultation with Najmul. That move sparked speculation that Najmul could soon walk away from the Test role as well. Dismal batting hands Bangladesh a heavy defeat in Colombo Though the BCB had extended his Test captaincy for another year before the tour, Najmul’s tenure now ends after just two matches of that renewed term. During his Test captaincy, Najmul led the side in 14 matches, securing four wins, suffering nine losses, and drawing once.  The BCB has yet to say anything about the development.