United News of Bangladesh

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed heartbreak over the decision to remove his name from the north stand of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, calling it a disgrace and urging the BCCI to take action. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) was formally directed to erase Azharuddin's name from the North Pavilion Stand following serious allegations of favoritism during his tenure as HCA president. The order came from Justice V Eswaraiah, HCA’s Ethics Officer and Ombudsman, in response to a petition highlighting these concerns, reports Hindustan Times. According to Cricbuzz, the directive stemmed from a complaint filed by Lord's Cricket Club, a local organization, which alleged that Azharuddin’s decisions as HCA president showed a conflict of interest and served his personal interests. The petition accused him of acting in ways that compromised fairness and impartiality. The order also instructed the HCA to stop printing Azharuddin’s name on any tickets for the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Ex-India skipper Md Azharuddin sacked as regional cricket body chief The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is set to host five more IPL matches this season, including three Sunrisers Hyderabad home games, as well as the crucial Qualifier 1 and Eliminator playoff matches. "What's unfolding is beyond comprehension, and it hurts me on a personal level. I was not allowed to contest the HCA elections simply because I exposed the corruption within the system. That truth made me a target," said Azharuddin. Beyond removing Azharuddin’s name, the petition also urged that the stand be renamed in honour of VVS Laxman, the Hyderabad-born cricketing legend, suggesting it be officially designated as the VVS Laxman Pavilion for all signage, ticketing, and related materials. 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest ever IPL cricketer The petitioner concluded by requesting the Ombudsman to issue any further directives necessary to ensure justice and fairness in handling the case.

Touring Bangladesh National Women's Kabaddi team suffered 2nd consecutive defeat in the first- ever five- match test series losing to hosts Nepal by 22-29 points in a competitive 2nd match at the Saatdobaato Taekwondo hall in Lalitpur, Nepal on Monday Bangladesh made a frustrating start in the five-match series after conceding 18-41 points defeat against Nepal with three “lonas” in the opening match on Sunday Bangladesh, which also went down in the day's match trailing by 8-18 points in the first half, reorganised themselves in the 2nd half and snatched 14 important points with some good tackle against Nepalese collection 11 points, but failed escaped defeat due to first half debacle. They will play their next match on Tuesday at the same venue. Women’s Kabaddi Series: Bangladesh concedes 18-41 points defeat against hosts Nepal in opening match of five-match test series Bangladesh Women’s Kabaddi team playing their first-ever five- match Test series against Nepal as a part of their preparation for the Women's World Cup Kabaddi. The Women's World Cup Kabaddi will be held in the Indian town Rajgir in Bihar from June 1-8 next.

Dr Enayet Karim, a prominent economist and editor of English newspaper 'Daily Industry' has been appointed as the Regional President of the World Council of Indigenous Games (WIG) for Asia. The announcement was formally made by WIG Secretary General Dr. Mrs Ramya on Sunday. According to a press release, Dr Karim, who currently serves as the President of the Global Economist Forum and Editor of The Daily Industry, will hold the prestigious position for a three-year term effecting from April 20, 2025 until March 2027. He is also the President of the Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Shilpa Parishad, a national body representing the country’s newspaper industry. Following the announcement, Karim expressed his gratitude to the WIG authorities for entrusting him with the significant responsibility. He pledged to promote indigenous games throughout Asia with renewed enthusiasm and strategic initiatives. “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Regional President of WIG for Asia. I will do my utmost to revive and promote indigenous games across the region by organising regional events and establishing country-level committees,” he said. Highlighting his vision for Bangladesh, Karim added that he plans to work closely with both government and non-government organisations to create awareness and foster participation in traditional sports. “We must preserve our cultural heritage, and indigenous games are an integral part of that heritage,” he noted. As Regional President, Karim will play a key role in expanding the activities of WIG across Asia, focusing on the inclusion of traditional sports in educational and recreational sectors, fostering cultural exchange, and uniting diverse communities through heritage-based games. The World Council of Indigenous Games, an international body devoted to preserving and promoting native sports and cultural expressions, works to connect indigenous communities around the globe through events, tournaments, and advocacy. Dr Enayet Karim’s appointment is expected to further energise the indigenous sports movement in Asia, especially in Bangladesh, where traditional games are deeply rooted in rural culture but often overlooked in the face of modern entertainment. Stakeholders from various fields, including sports, culture, and education, have already congratulated Dr Karim and expressed optimism that his leadership will bring a new wave of recognition and revival to indigenous games across the continent.

Right-arm spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz registered a five-for in the Sylhet Test to restrict Zimbabwe to 273 runs in their first innings on Monday. Bangladesh lost opener Shadman Islam early in the second innigns. At the end of second day, Bangladesh were at 57 for one wicket. They are strill trailing by 25 runs. Despite Mehidy’s heroics with the ball, Zimbabwe managed to secure an 82-run first-innings lead. Opener Brian Bennett and Sean Williams hit a fifty each for the visitors. They scored 273 in the first innings. While Mehidy took five, Nahid Rana bagged three wickets. Sylhet Test: Mehidy takes five to restrict Zimbabwe to 273 It was the 11th time that Mehidy took a five-for in a Test innings. His last five-wicket haul at home came in 2022. An 82-run lead is not big in Test, but Bangladesh have to bat better than they did in the first innings to take back the control of the match. And for that, the openers and subsequent batters at the top-order have to deliver well this time. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and batted first. They posted 191 runs, with Mominul Haque being the top scorer with 56. Former Bangladesh coach recounts desperate departure from Bangladesh Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 40, and Jaker Ali was the only other batter to score more than 20 runs. Blessing Muzarabani, and Wellington Masakadza were the best bowlers for Zimbabwe, taking three wickets each.

Two powerhouses in the country's football defending champions Bashundhara Kings and 12th times champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will lock horns in the grand final of the 10-team Bashundhara Group  Federation Cup Football' 2024-25 on Tuesday. The title deciding match between two arch-rivals will kick off at 2:45 pm at the Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh. The sky- blue Dhanmondi outfit Dhaka Abahani Ltd, having 10-man, reached final beating Bashundhara Kings by 4-2 goals in penalty shootout in the first qualifier while Bashundhara Kings,coming from behind, booked a seat for the final eliminating Rahmatganj MFS by 2-1 goals in the extra time of the 2nd qualifier last Tuesday..  

Right-arm spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz registered a five-for in the Sylhet Test to restrict Zimbabwe to 273 runs in their first innings on Monday. Despite Mehidy’s heroics with the ball, Zimbabwe managed to secure an 82-run first-innings lead. Opener Brian Bennett and Sean Williams hit a fifty each for the visitors. While Mehidy took five, Nahid Rana bagged three wickets. It was the 11th time that Mehidy took a five-for in a Test innings. His last five-wicket haul at home came in 2022. An 82-run lead is not big in Test, but Bangladesh have to bat better than they did in the first innings to take back the control of the match. And for that, the openers and subsequent batters at the top-order have to deliver well this time. Former Bangladesh coach recounts desperate departure from Bangladesh Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and batted first. They posted 191 runs, with Mominul Haque being the top scorer with 56. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 40, and Jaker Ali was the only other batter to score more than 20 runs. Blessing Muzarabani, and Wellington Masakadza were the best bowlers for Zimbabwe, taking three wickets each.

Former Bangladesh cricket team head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has claimed he feared for his life while hastily leaving Bangladesh during the popular uprising against the previous Sheikh Hasina regime last year, and a storm of controversy surrounding his exit from the national cricket setup. Speaking to Code Sports, Hathurusingha recalled how panic set in when a top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official subtly advised him to leave without informing others. Hathurusingha wants to complete coaching contract with Bangladesh “That was a warning sign,” said Hathurusingha. “I went straight to the bank, and while I was there, breaking news flashed on TV: ‘Chandika sacked.  Assaulted a player.’” A bank manager urged him to leave immediately, fearing public reaction. Hathurusingha left Dhaka on a midnight flight wearing a cap and hoodie. “They could have stopped the plane. All these thoughts were going through my mind,” he said. “At the x-ray machine, an air force officer told me, ‘I’m sorry, coach. I’m very sorry that you’re going.’ I was fearing for my life.” The controversy stemmed from an allegation that Hathurusingha had slapped bowler Nasum Ahmed during a World Cup match against New Zealand—an accusation he firmly denies. He insists the incident involved a harmless tap on Nasum’s back to get his attention in the dugout. The BCB never asked Hathurusingha for his version, and Nasum has remained silent.  Hathurusingha claims the issue was manipulated by the board’s new leadership to force his exit. “They ruined my career without letting me defend myself,” he said. Chandika’s two former colleagues—assistant coach Nic Pothas and spin coach Rangana Herath—dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless. “Nothing happened,” Herath said. “There has to be evidence.” Hathurusingha, who had not publicly addressed the matter until now, said the ordeal continues to impact his coaching career.        

Dhaka, Apr 21 (UNB) — Nahid Rana sent back both Zimbabwe openers in the morning session of day two of the first Test in Sylhet, as Bangladesh fight back after a below-par total in the first innings.  Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, unbeaten at stumps on the opening day, extended their opening partnership by just two runs on the second morning before their 69-run stand was broken by Nahid.  Ben was first to fall, making 18 off 55 balls. He fell prey to Nahid off a short ball.  At the end of 33 overs, Zimbabwe scored 120 for three. While Nahid took two, Hasan Mahmud scalped the other wicket.  Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Mominul Haque was the best batter for Bangladesh, scoring 56. Najmul Hossain Shanto made 40.  Batters like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz failed to impress.  For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani, and Wellington Masakadza bagged three wickets each. Victor Nyauchi, and Wessly Madhevere shared four wickets equally among them.  The second and final Test of the series will be played in Chattogram from April 28.     

Barcelona shrugged off an early setback to seize control of their Women’s Champions League semifinal against Chelsea on Sunday, cruising to a 4-1 victory. The match got off to a shaky start for the Spanish giants when captain Alexia Putellas saw her 12th-minute penalty saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. But Barcelona quickly regrouped and put on an attacking clinic. Claudia Pina, coming off the bench, made a huge impact with two goals, while Ewa Pajor and Irene Paredes each added one to complete the comeback and give Barça a commanding advantage heading into the second leg. Sandy Baltimore scored for Chelsea. Manchester United sets another unwanted Premier League record “No winning scoreline is enough,” Barcelona coach Pere Romeu said. “There’s huge evidence in soccer that you can’t ever rely on a first-leg lead. We are going to have a beautiful battle over there at Stamford Bridge.” Chelsea will host the return semifinal leg next Sunday and the winner on aggregate will advance to the final in Lisbon next month. It was the eighth straight win for defending champion Barcelona in the European women's competition. It has scored 40 goals across those eight consecutive wins since losing 2-0 to Manchester City. Barcelona and Chelsea are meeting in the last four for the third consecutive season. Barcelona has advanced each time. “I still believe in my team and my players, 100%,” Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said. "It’ll be difficult, but the main goal is to score early in the return leg. In football everything is possible, so let’s try to win the game and, if we score early, maybe we can put Barcelona under pressure.” Pajor opened the scoring in the 35th and Pina added to the lead in the 70th, not long after entering the match. Baltimore pulled the visitors closer four minutes later, but Paredes gave Barcelona a two-goal lead again in the 82nd. Pina added a fourth in the 90th at the Johan Cruyff stadium. “When I’m on the bench, we’ve already spent a whole week analyzing a rival like Chelsea," Pina said. "You have lots of ideas in your head. When the game goes on, you progress those ideas and look at where your teammates are already creating gaps in the opponents’ defense.” In the other semifinal series, Lyon weathered a second-half rally by Arsenal to claim a 2-1 away win on Saturday, putting the record eight-time champions on course for another Women's Champions League title match.    

Manchester United set another unwanted club record on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Wolverhampton. A 15th league loss of the season is the most United has suffered in any single campaign in the Premier League era and emphasizes the club's ongoing decline. United has dominated England's top flight since the inception of the Premier League in 1992 — winning 13 titles. But it has not been crowned champion since 2013 when former manager Alex Ferguson retired. Last season it set a new high for league losses with 14 defeats. With five rounds still to go, Ruben Amorim's team has already gone past that benchmark. “We need to fight for wins, score goals and try to get more points,” Amorim said. "This season is going to end like this. We need to take the positives, try to work on the things we need to improve. “We have to work and try to be better in the first game of next season.” Amorim said in January that this might be the worst team in the club's history and the lows have kept on coming. A 15th league loss is the most for any United team since the 1989-90 campaign when it was defeated 16 times in England’s old Division One. AHF Cup Hockey: Bangladesh earn 2nd consecutive victory beating hosts Indonesia 3-2 Premier League statistician Opta said an eighth home defeat in the league was the most since United was beaten nine times in 1962-63. Worst points total in Premier League United is already certain to set the club’s worst-ever points total in the Premier League. The latest loss left it on 38 points. United’s lowest total was 58 in the 2021-22 season. Even a perfect finish would only see United amass 53 this term. The record 20-time English champion is also on course to record its lowest league finish in the Premier League. The previous low was set by Erik ten Hag's team last season when finishing eighth in the standings - the club's worst final position in 34 years. United is currently 14th and 11 points behind eighth-placed Bournemouth. Silver lining But Amorim could still end the campaign on a successful note by winning the Europa League. United staged a dramatic fightback to beat Lyon 5-4 on Thursday and advance to the semifinals of Europe's second tier competition. United plays Athletic Bilbao in the next round. The Europa League winner also qualifies for next season's Champions League.