United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has formed a three-member inquiry committee to look into Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Dr AKM Wali Ullah, Additional Secretary (Administration) of the ministry, will head the committee. The other members include former national captain Habibul Bashar and Supreme Court lawyer and sports organiser Barrister Faisal Dastagir. According to a notice signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Aonggyajai Marma, the panel must submit its findings within 15 working days. The 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, proceeded without Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) withdrew from the tournament.  Citing safety concerns, the then interim government directed the BCB to pull out after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected a request to move Bangladesh’s matches from India to Sri Lanka. The security friction originated prior to the tournament when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following threats from extremist groups. While the BCB, then led by Aminul Islam, expressed grave concerns regarding the safety of players, coaching staff, and traveling journalists, the ICC maintained that security arrangements were sufficient.

Heavy rain and deteriorating light frustrated both sides on the penultimate day in Mirpur, as Bangladesh reached 152-3 at early stumps in the first Test against Pakistan.  Despite a significant loss of play, the hosts extended their overall lead to 179 runs, leaving the first Test poised for a high-stakes final day. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque spearheaded the effort before the weather intervened. Shanto, following his clinical first-innings century, remains unbeaten on 58. He found a reliable partner in Mominul, who struck 56 before falling late in the day. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (16) navigated a tricky final period to keep the visitors at bay before the umpires called off play early due to visibility concerns. A major portion of the day was lost to a monsoon downpour that drenched the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The delay hampered Bangladesh’s efforts to set a rapid target and denied Pakistan’s seamers the chance to exploit the overcast conditions. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas each claimed a wicket, but the lack of consistent play prevented the visitors from building sustained pressure. Bangladesh’s 413 in the first innings, anchored by Shanto’s 101, remains the benchmark of the contest of the Dhaka Test. Pakistan’s response of 386 was highlighted by debutant Azan Awais’s patient 103, but a dramatic collapse – triggered by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 14th five-wicket haul – handed the hosts a 27-run cushion. Milestones have defined this encounter. Earlier in the match, Taskin Ahmed became only the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, a feat last achieved by a local seamer in 2009. With a lead of 179 and only one day remaining, Bangladesh face a tactical dilemma. The deteriorating Mirpur track traditionally favours the hosts' spin duo of Miraz and Taijul Islam in the fourth innings. However, the time lost to rain may force Shanto into an aggressive declaration early on Day 5 to give his bowlers enough overs to secure a victory.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed his 14th five-wicket haul to lead a stunning bowling resurgence as Bangladesh secured a vital 27-run lead, bowling Pakistan out for 386 on the third evening of the opening Test in Mirpur. Pakistan’s first innings, which seemed destined to surpass Bangladesh’s 413 after they reached a comfortable 349-5, unraveled spectacularly in the final session. The visitors lost their final five wickets for just 37 runs, as the Mirpur track began to offer the sharp turn and inconsistent bounce that the hosts’ spin department exploited to perfection. Mehidy was the architect of the collapse, finishing with clinical figures of 5-102. His afternoon masterclass began by breaking a century opening stand when he trapped Imam-ul-Haq (45) leg-before. He then dismantled the middle order in a devastating spell, removing Saud Shakeel and the well-set debutant Abdullah Fazal (60). Mehidy eventually completed his five-for by inducing an edge from Noman Ali to slip and deceiving Shaheen Shah Afridi with a delivery chipped straight to short cover. Supporting the spin effort, Taijul Islam claimed the final wicket of Hasan Ali to finish with 2-39, while Taskin Ahmed played a crucial role earlier in the day. Taskin’s two wickets—including that of centurion Azan Awais (103)—not only broke a dangerous partnership but also saw him reach the milestone of 50 Test wickets, becoming only the third Bangladeshi pacer to do so. Speedster Nahid Rana chipped in with one wicket to complete a comprehensive bowling performance. Pakistan’s resistance was primarily defined by Azan Awais’s patient debut century and a brisk 59 from Mohammad Rizwan. However, once Rizwan was dismissed, the tail offered little resistance against the relentless pressure applied by Miraz. The slim 27-run lead provides Bangladesh with a psychological edge heading into the second innings. The hosts' first-innings total of 413 was built on a clinical 101 from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and a resilient 91 from Mominul Haque.  

Nigar Sultana Joty will lead Bangladesh at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad on Sunday. The 15-member team, featuring Vice Captain Nahida Akter, are scheduled to depart for Edinburgh on May 25. Before the tournament begins, the Tigresses will compete in a tri-nation series against Scotland and the Netherlands, followed by warm-up matches in Loughborough to acclimatise to English conditions. Bangladesh’s campaign begins at Edgbaston on June 14 against the Netherlands. The group stage features several marquee matchups, including a clash with world champions Australia at Headingley and a high-stakes encounter against India at Old Trafford. The team will finish their group play with a rare appearance at Lord’s against South Africa on June 28. Young talents Shorna Akter and Marufa Akter have been included to provide firepower and pace, while veterans Fahima Khatun and Ritu Moni bolster the all-round department. Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous and Tajnehar.  

Bangladesh seized control of the first Test with a devastating morning session on day three, reducing Pakistan to 251-5 at lunch despite a debut century from Azan Awais. Pakistan, who resumed on 179-1, suffered a dramatic collapse that saw them lose four wickets for just 44 runs. They now trail the hosts by 162 runs with only five wickets in hand. The morning began with promise for the visitors as Azan Awais reached a patient maiden century. However, Taskin Ahmed broke the 104-run second-wicket stand by forcing Awais (103) into an undisciplined flash at a wide delivery, which was sharply caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip. He struck again shortly after, removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Slicing a full delivery toward point, Masood was undone by a brilliant low diving catch from Shadman Islam. Miraz then dismantled the middle order. He first trapped Saud Shakeel (1) leg-before with a delivery that straightened and struck him in line with the stumps. Abdullah Fazal, who had batted with composure for his 60, followed suit when he charged down the track to Miraz, only to miscue a flat shot to mid-on. Miraz ended the session with clinical figures of 3-61, while Taskin’s double strike (2-61) provided the initial spark for the hosts’ resurgence. Taskin Ahmed became the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, joining Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain. He is the first to reach the milestone in 17 years; Shahadat was the last to do so in 2009. Pakistan's hopes now rest on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to steady a ship that looked secure only 90 minutes earlier. Bangladesh, buoyed by the vocal Mirpur crowd, will look to wrap up the tail and secure a significant first-innings lead in the afternoon session.  

Pakistan’s debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal shared an unbeaten 73-run stand to guide the visitors to 179-1 at stumps on day two, trailing Bangladesh by 234 runs. The hosts were bowled out for 413 during the morning session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 101 and Mominul Haque’s 91 provided the foundation, while Mushfiqur Rahim added a gritty 71. Taskin Ahmed provided a late surge with a 19-ball 28 to help the side cross the 400-mark before the final wicket fell in the 118th over. Pakistan’s pace attack spearheaded the morning fightback, led by Mohammad Abbas. Abbas utilized the early conditions to claim 5-51, while Shaheen Shah Afridi provided vital support with 3-67, including the key wicket of Mushfiqur. In response, Pakistan navigated 46 overs with significant composure. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Awais put on 106 before Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided the breakthrough. Miraz trapped Imam (45) leg-before with a delivery that skidded through to hit the stumps; a desperate review failed to save the opener. Awais remained unbeaten on 85, striking 12 boundaries and nearing a debut century. He looked comfortable against both pace and spin alongside Fazal, who finished the day 37 not out. Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled in the final session as Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana struggled to find the movement seen earlier in the day. Miraz remained the most effective option for the hosts, finishing with 1-37 from 16 overs. Pakistan will resume Sunday morning looking to reduce the deficit, while Bangladesh seeks early breakthroughs to regain control on a wearing Mirpur track.

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for April following a dominant display in the recent home ODI series against New Zealand. The 23-year-old speedster earned his place on the three-man shortlist after being named Player of the Series in Bangladesh's 2-1 victory over the visitors. Rana claimed eight wickets across the three matches, maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 4.46. Shanto’s century takes Bangladesh to 301-4 against Pakistan The highlight of his month came during the second ODI in Mirpur, where he dismantled the New Zealand batting order with figures of 5-32. His five-wicket haul paved the way for a 55-run win, proving his ability to deliver under pressure. Rana concluded the series with two additional wickets in the final match in Chattogram. Rana faces competition from Oman captain Jatinder Singh and UAE left-arm seamer Ajay Kumar. Singh earned his nod through a record-breaking 139 against Nepal, while Kumar impressed with nine wickets in his first two career ODIs. The winner will be decided by a combination of votes from an independent ICC Voting Academy and global cricket fans. Bangladesh fans can cast their ballots via the ICC’s official website.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s clinical ninth Test century dominated the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur, setting the foundation for Bangladesh to reach 301-4 at stumps against Pakistan on Friday. Shanto’s 101 anchored a massive 170-run third-wicket stand with Mominul Haque, as the pair effectively neutralised Pakistan’s pace-heavy attack throughout a humid afternoon. The captain reached his milestone by drilling a Mohammad Abbas half-volley through the covers for four, marking his first century against this opponent. His 130-ball innings, which included 12 boundaries and two sixes, eventually ended just before tea when Abbas trapped him leg-before. While the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision to find the ball hitting off-stump. Mominul Haque continued the momentum following Shanto’s exit but fell in the "nervous nineties" for 91. Attempting to parry a quicker delivery from spinner Noman Ali, Mominul was trapped on the back foot; a review confirmed the ball was hitting middle-and-leg. Despite the late wickets, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim ensured the hosts maintained their advantage. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 48, showing his trademark composure to guide Bangladesh past the 300-run mark. He will resume on the second day on Saturday morning alongside Litton Das, who is not out on 8. Pakistan’s bowlers toiled for most of the day on a surface that offered little lateral movement or turn. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali each took a single wicket, but the visitors struggled to make regular inroads against a disciplined top order. With six wickets in hand and the set Mushfiqur nearing a half-century, Bangladesh will aim to bat Pakistan out of the game on day two.

Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a commanding century to put Bangladesh in control before Mohammad Abbas struck just before tea to give Pakistan a much-needed breakthrough on the opening day of the first Test in Mirpur. Shanto’s 101, his ninth Test hundred and his first against Pakistan, anchored a 170-run partnership with Mominul Haque. The duo dominated a humid post-lunch session on a surface that offered little assistance to either pace or spin.  The breakthrough arrived in the 53rd over when Abbas trapped Shanto leg-before just in the next ball after the century. A good-length delivery nipped back to strike the front pad as Shanto played across the line. Although the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, Pakistan captain Shan Masood successfully reviewed the decision, with ball-tracking showing the delivery hitting off-stump. Shanto reached his milestone in style the previous ball, drilling a half-volley from Abbas through the covers for four. His 130-ball innings included 12 boundaries and two sixes, continuing a prolific run of form where he has consistently converted fifties into centuries.  While the session belonged to the hosts, the late wicket provided Pakistan with late momentum. Bangladesh now face a rebuilding phase in the final session, while Pakistan will likely target Mominul, who remains unbeaten having reached his 26th Test half-century. The wicket ended Shanto's first big Test score against Pakistan, an opponent against whom he had previously struggled to reach double figures. Bangladesh will look to Mominul to lead the charge as they aim for a big first-innings total.  

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque shared an unbeaten 70-run partnership to guide Bangladesh to 101 for two at lunch on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Mirpur. Bangladesh reached 101 for two at the lunch break, having recovered from an early collapse. Captain Shanto remained unbeaten on 39 off 50 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, while Mominul Haque was not out on 31 from 57 deliveries. After Pakistan opted to field, their pace attack made immediate inroads, reducing the hosts to 31 for two. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the first to fall, edging Shaheen Shah Afridi to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 8. Shadman Islam followed shortly after for 13, caught in the slips off Hasan Ali. Bangladesh’s recovery was led by a counter-attacking Shanto, who reached 39 off 50 deliveries by the break. Shanto effectively balanced caution with aggression, punishing loose deliveries while Mominul provided steady support with a disciplined 31 off 57 balls. The partnership has placed Bangladesh in a solid position after the early collapse, with the hosts scoring at a brisk rate of nearly four runs per over heading into the second session.