United News of Bangladesh

The 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a breathtaking century in the Indian Premier League on Monday, and made it one of the greatest innings in men's Twenty20 cricket history. Just nine days after becoming the youngest player to debut in the IPL, Suryavanshi blew away observers again with a century in just his third match and, to boot, the second fastest in the tournament's 18 years. He got there in just 35 deliveries by pulling Gujarat Titans star spinner Rashid Khan for a six over midwicket, and sending the Rajasthan Royals' packed home crowd in Jaipur to their feet yet again. Of the 100 runs, an incredible 94 came off boundaries. He hit 11 sixes and seven fours. “It feels really good,” Suryavanshi said. “It is like a dream to score a century in the IPL. What I’ve been practicing for the last three, four months, the result is showing.” He was out three balls later for 101, missing a yorker. But his 166-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 70 not out off 40 balls, propelled Rajasthan to a remarkable rundown of Gujarat's imposing total of 209-4 with 25 balls to spare. Rajasthan made 212-2, winning for only the third time in 10 games to stay in playoffs contention. Hyderabad notches its first IPL win at Chepauk as Chennai's struggles continue Cricket is the most popular sport in India by a considerable margin, and the lucrative IPL has offered a showcase for talent emerging from the population of 1.4 billion to mix it with the sport's top international stars. Fervent fans are always on the lookout for the “next” superstar player like Sachin Tendulkar, who transformed from precocious teenage talent into an iconic figure and the leading international scorer in the sport. The great Tendulkar was impressed with Suryavanshi, who was described by TV commentators during his dramatic innings as an amazing “14-year-old boy.” Suryavanshi rose to fame when he was drafted at age 13 last November. In a splashy debut this month, he whacked the first ball he faced for six at the same venue. He showed brutal power-hitting on Monday against a battery of seasoned international bowlers including Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma and Washington Sundar. The teenager smacked Sharma for three sixes and two fours in one over and clubbed spinner Sundar for two sixes and a four to raise the 2025 IPL's fastest half-century off 17 balls. Suryavanshi raced to 94 when he belted Afghanistan fast bowler Karim Janat for three sixes and three fours, and raised the hundred against the great Khan. “It was incredible,” Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag said of Suryavanshi. "We’ve spent two months with him (and) we have seen what he can do, but to see him do this against the world-class bowlers ... (I) can't express in words.” Suryavanshi was patted on the back by his partner Jaiswal as he celebrated, removed his helmet and raised his bat to acknowledge the applause of the home crowd. He also saluted his teammates in the dugout with his bat. Only West Indies great Chris Gayle has hit an IPL hundred in less balls, 30, and that was 12 years ago. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna finally bowled out Suryavanshi, who walked off to another standing ovation and to hugs from teammates. Left-handers Suryavanshi and Jaiswal raised Rajasthan's highest stand for any wicket in the IPL, and the teenager eclipsed Sanju Samson's record of 10 sixes in an IPL innings for an Indian batter. “Batting with him (Jaiswal) gives me confidence because he keeps very positive, (and it) becomes easy to bat with him,” Suryavanshi said. He added he doesn't notice the crowds much to "just focus on the ball.” Gill and Buttler shine for Gujarat New Zealand to invest in a new franchise in US-based Major League Cricket Gujarat captain Shubman Gill made an aggressive 84 off 50 balls while his opening partner Sai Sudharsan scored 39 to overtake Virat Kohli as the leading scorer of the season with 456 runs in nine matches. The pair added 93 runs for the first wicket off 62 balls before Sudharsan holed out at long-on in the 11th over. Gill looked well set for a century but missed Maheesh Theekshana’s low full toss and was caught at long-off. Jos Buttler cut loose in the death overs with a 26-ball unbeaten 50.

Bangladesh's spinners, led by a five-wicket haul from Taijul Islam, helped the hosts seize the advantage as Zimbabwe ended the first day of the second Test on 227 for 9 at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. It was Taijul’s 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, fifth against Zimbabwe, and fourth at this venue. Choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe made a steady start with openers Brian Bennett (21) and Ben Curran (21) adding 41 for the first wicket. However, they failed to continue on the good run. They lost the first wicket to Bangladesh’s debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Nick Welch anchored the innings with a 54 but was forced to retire hurt after tea. Sean Williams also fought hard with a 67 off 166 balls, but the middle order collapsed around him as Bangladesh’s spin trio tightened the grip. Chattogram Test: Bangladesh to bowl first with three changes vs Zimbabwe Nayeem Hasan chipped in with two important wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled economically without success. Taijul was the star of the day, exploiting the turning surface to claim 5 for 60. His dismissals included key scalps like Curran, Madhevere, Masakadza, and Ngarava, with the latter falling first ball. Tafadzwa Tsiga (18*) and tail-ender Blessing Muzarabani (2*) were unbeaten at stumps, as Zimbabwe struggled to reach a competitive total. They survived 30 deliveries in the last wicket stand. Towhid Hridoy handed four-match ban amid controversy Zimbabwe won the first Test in Sylhet. Another win in Chattogram or even a draw will ensure the series for them.

Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first in Chattogram in the second Test against Bangladesh on Monday.  Zimbabwe came to this match aiming to win the series, with a win in the first match in Sylhet.  Bangladesh made three changes to their playing XI, bringing back Anamul Haque Bijoy, Nayeem Hasan and giving the Test cap to Tanzim Hasan Sakib. To pave the way for them, Bangladesh overlooked Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nahid Rana, and Khaled Ahmed.  Sylhet Test: Muzarabani takes six, Zimbabwe need 174 to win Zimbabwe sidelined Victor Nyauchi and Nyasha Mayavo to pave the way for leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and Tafadzwa Tsiga. Vincent is getting his Test cap in this match.  Chattogram’s wicket is traditionally friendly for the spinners, and that history has prompted both teams to field a spin-heavy attack.  Bangladesh XI: Anamul Haque, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Zimbabwe XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzawa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Vincent Masekesa    

Towhid Hridoy, one of the most talked-about figures in Bangladesh cricket in recent weeks, has been handed a four-match suspension in the Dhaka Premier League following a fresh breach of conduct. The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) issued the ban after Hridoy showed visible dissent after his dismissal during Friday’s match against Gazi Group Cricketers. Although summoned for a hearing, the Mohammedan Sporting Club player did not appear. As a result, match referee Akhtar Ahmed fined him BDT 10,000 and added one more demerit point to his record. Premier Division Super League: Mohammedan, Abahani, Agrani Bank all win Hridoy already had seven demerit points from previous offenses. With the latest addition, he now accumulates eight points, which under Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) code of conduct automatically triggers a four-match ban. The CCDM has confirmed that the suspension takes immediate effect, ruling Hridoy out of Mohammedan’s crucial clash against Abahani Limited, widely regarded as the "unofficial final" of the league.

Mohammedan Sporting Club clinched a four-wicket win over Gazi Group Cricketers in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League Super League match on Saturday. In other matches, Abahani Limited and Agrani Bank also registered wins. Chasing 237, Mohammedan reached the target off the final ball, finishing at 237 for 6. Mohammad Saifuddin starred with 3 for 42 and an unbeaten 30, while Rony Talukdar contributed 55 runs at the top. Earlier, Gazi Group posted 236, thanks to Munim Shahriar’s 80. Mustafizur Rahman and Saifuddin shared six wickets between them to keep Mohammedan in control. At BKSP Ground 4, Abahani overpowered Legends of Rupganj by seven wickets. Mosaddek Hossain delivered a superb spell, taking 4 for 41 to restrict Rupganj to 225 for 9. In the chase, Parvez Hossain Emon scored 73, and Jishan Alam added 63, helping Abahani cruise to 226 for 3 with 12.3 overs to spare. Meanwhile, Agrani Bank Cricket Club beat Gulshan Cricket Club by 137 runs at BKSP Ground 3. Imranuzzaman led the charge with a sparkling 123 off 108 balls, while Pritom Kumar blasted 59 from just 29 balls to lift Agrani to 340 for 7. Gulshan CC never got going in their chase and were bowled out for 203. Sandip Roy starred with the ball, grabbing 5 for 35. After winning in this round, Abahani strengthened their hold at the top of the Super League table with 26 points from 15 matches, winning 13 games. Mohammedan follow closely behind with 24 points, securing 12 wins. Agrani Bank sit at the bottom among the six teams, with 16 points from 15 matches after winning eight games.  

As Bangladesh gear up for the second Test against Zimbabwe starting Monday in Chattogram, the focus remains on the collective responsibility of the team rather than individual performances that often fail to win the match. Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali said that the burden should not fall on just one player like Mushfiqur Rahim. Mushfiqur has recently come under tremendous pressure for his poor performances, and Jaker came to his defence. BCB defends financial decisions, rejects allegations of irregularities “Mushfiq bhai is not playing alone. Everyone has to take responsibility and contribute. It’s unfair to expect him to deliver every time,” Jaker told reporters on Saturday in Chattogram. Jaker said that the entire batting unit must step up, recalling how lower-order resistance, including Hasan Mahmud’s 58-ball 12 in Sylhet, helped Bangladesh fight despite the defeat. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran, one of the main players who contributed to the team's win in Sylhet, is keeping an eye on family matters even while preparing for the second Test. Curran’s brothers, Tom and Sam, are busy with franchise leagues — Tom in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Sam in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both his brothers represent England in international cricket. “I try to follow their matches whenever possible. We talk regularly, especially on match days. We are a very close family,” Ben said on Saturday in Chattogram. Ben Curran, who chose to represent Zimbabwe like his father Kevin Curran, played a vital role in the 2nd innings of the first Test, scoring 44 in a tight chase of 174. While Bangladesh aim for a spin-heavy strategy to bounce back, Zimbabwe seem quietly confident after the win in the first match. The second and final Test will be played in Chattogram from April 28th.//    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has strongly denied allegations of financial irregularities following media reports questioning its recent banking transactions. In a statement issued on Saturday, the BCB described the recent reports as “misinformed” and “intentionally constructed” to tarnish the image of the Board and its President, Faruque Ahmed. The BCB said that upon taking charge in August 2024, Faruque prioritized safeguarding the financial assets of the board. Following a reassessment, the BCB withdrew BDT 250 crore from banks considered risky and reinvested BDT 238 crore into institutions categorized in the “Green” and “Yellow” zones by Bangladesh Bank. The remaining BDT 12 crore was kept for operational expenses. Sourav Ganguly calls for severing all cricketing ties with Pakistan The Board clarified that all banking decisions were made with full knowledge and approval of the board members, involving two designated signatories — the heads of the finance and tender & purchase committees — and not by the president alone. The BCB also revealed that since September 2024, its financial restructuring led to a 2–5% increase in interest earnings from fixed deposits. At the same time, BCB secured nearly BDT 12 crore in sponsorships from three banking partners, with another BDT 20 crore pledged for infrastructure development. This statement of BCB came amidst criticisms claiming that the president moved the fund from one bank to another without the knowledge of other board members.

Sunrisers Hyderabad made history on Friday by clinching their first-ever win against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, securing a five-wicket victory in the Indian Premier League. Chennai struggled to build momentum, managing only 154 runs after being stifled by sharp bowling spells from Harshal Patel, who grabbed 4 for 28, and captain Pat Cummins, who chipped in with 2 for 21. Hyderabad chased down the target with ease, reaching 155/5 in 18.4 overs. Ishan Kishan top-scored with 44, while Kamindu Mendis anchored the finish with a composed 32 not out off just 22 balls. Cricketers voice concerns over inconsistent BCB decision and call for urgent reforms Reflecting on the win, Cummins said, “We haven’t had the best record against CSK, so it’s nice to change that. We would’ve liked to finish it a bit more cleanly, but overall, very pleased with the result.” Hyderabad was eighth on the table after its third win in nine matches while Chennai was in danger of missing the playoffs after a seventh defeat.   Kishan and Mendis star in chase Chennai made early inroads in Hyderabad's chase when Khaleel Ahmed had Abhishek Sharma caught at extra cover for 0 off the second ball, and Travis Head’s off bail was knocked back on 19 by Anshul Kamboj in the last over of the batting powerplay. Hyderabad promoted in-form batter Heinrich Klaasen ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy but the South African could score only 7 off eight balls, holing out against Ravindra Jadeja. But with heavy dew settling in, it became difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball. Kishan timed the ball well and struck five boundaries and a six. Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad gave Chennai hope when he dismissed Kishan to a great catch by Sam Curran and Aniket Verma to reduce Hyderabad to 106-5 in the 14th over. But Mendis and Reddy, 19 not out, combined in a match-winning stand of 49 runs to finish off the game with eight balls to spare. Pace pins down Chennai Chennai top order has struggled to fire all season. Shaik Rasheed was caught in the slips off the first ball and Curran’s promotion to No. 3 didn’t work out. The 17-year-old Ayush Mahtre showed smashed six fours in his 19-ball 30 but he, too, fell inside the powerplay as Chennai limped 47-3. South Africa Dewald Brevis, known for his big hitting, made an impactful debut for Chennai as he slammed four sixes in his 42. He was out to a stunning diving catch by Mendis at long-off. The middle order couldn't compensate for the top order as Patel and Cummins squeezed, and Chennai was all out with one ball remaining. "In the first innings the wicket was slightly better and 157 wasn’t a justifiable score,” Dhoni said. “It wasn’t turning a lot, a little two-paced but nothing out of the ordinary. Yes, second innings there was a bit of help … but we were 15, 20 runs short.”  

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and a group of other senior cricketers met the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed on Friday to express frustration over recent decisions that they believe undermine the dignity of players and damage the integrity of the game. Their concerns centre around three key issues, including inconsistent disciplinary actions against Towhid Hridoy, a national team player, who has been playing for the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing season of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. Initially, Towhid was handed a two-match ban for misbehavior towards an umpire, the BCB's umpires committee unilaterally reduced the suspension to one match—overstepping their authority. After Towhid played two matches, the BCB reversed course and imposed the ban again, which has prompted Tamim to describe the move as “absurd” and “unjustifiable.” “This process makes no sense,” Tamim told reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. “He served the penalty already. How can they now ban him again?” The players were also disturbed by a recent anti-corruption enactment involving two cricketers reenacting an alleged fixing incident in front of media—an act they labeled humiliating and unprecedented. Along with all these, the premature leak of 10 players’ names accused of fixing in the BPL also drew criticism from the cricketers. New Zealand to invest in a new franchise in US-based Major League Cricket “What if some of them are innocent?” Tamim questioned. “Publishing names before an investigation is a violation of basic rights.” Urging urgent action, Tamim said that players are the sport’s biggest stakeholders. “This needs immediate resolution,” he said, following a tense meeting with BCB officials. “The board must treat players with the respect they deserve.”

New Zealand Cricket will invest in a new franchise that will join Major League Cricket in the United States from 2027. Chief executive Scott Weenink on Thursday said NZC will partner with U.S.-based True North Sports Ventures to form the new team, which could be based in Toronto or Atlanta. The partnership is the first of its kind between a full member nation of the International Cricket Council and a franchise in a leading professional cricket league, Weenink said. The Board of Control for Cricket in India governs the lucrative Indian Premier League, which features players from all over the world, including stars from New Zealand, but the franchises are all independently owned. New Zealand Cricket will provide financial equity and high-performance and operational support to the new MLC team, including coaching, management and support staff. Pakistan’s Amir aims to play in IPL next year “It’s a reasonable investment but it’s fair to say we are still minority investors,” Weenink said. “Hopefully, we will also see a growth in capital but also dividends which will start to be spun out of that equity investment. “We still see India as untapped from a New Zealand Cricket perspective so we are putting a significant amount of energy and resource into growing New Zealand Cricket and New Zealand cricket players’ brand in India and we see the same in the US. We see America as such a huge market from a sports perspective.” Weenink said NZC sees cricket “really taking off” in the United States on the back of the T20 Cricket World Cup, which the U.S. co-hosted last year, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “So we really want to tap into and jump on board the huge growth opportunity that Major League Cricket offers,” he said. “As franchise cricket grows globally, NZC needs to adapt to seize strategic opportunities that ensure the sustainability of our cricket network. “This helps diversify our revenue streams, expands our global brand and fan base and creates new talent development and retention pathways for both our players and coaches.” Several leading New Zealand players already have played in MLC and NZC hopes an association with the U.S. tournament will provide a new pathway for young and senior players. Boult and Sharma shine for Mumbai in massive 7-wicket victory over Hyderabad The 2025 MLC season will be played within the space of a month in June with salaries of up to $200,000 being paid to top players. The short duration of the competition makes it particularly lucrative and attractive.