Author: A Sports

Tragedy struck the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Saturday as Dhaka Capitals assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, collapsed just before the clash against Rajshahi Warriors in Sylhet and later passed away.

The incident occurred during pre-match preparations, roughly 20 minutes before the scheduled start.

Players from both teams were warming up near their dressing rooms when Zaki suddenly fell ill and collapsed.

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Emergency medical attention was administered immediately, including CPR, before he was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital in Sylhet.

Despite intensive care efforts and being moved to the hospital’s ICU, Zaki, a seasoned domestic cricket coach, could not be saved and succumbed to a heart attack.

Dhaka Capitals confirmed the heartbreaking news through an official statement on social media, expressing profound grief over the loss.

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“It is with great sadness to we inform you that our dear assistant coach of the Dhaka Capitals family has left us after suffering from heart disease,” the franchise wrote on Facebook.

“We are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

READ: Former Pakistan pacer slams Babar Azam over BBL struggles

Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf has voiced sharp criticism of star batter Babar Azam, following his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Rauf, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, four ODIs, and a T20I, argued that Babar’s recent struggles indicate a loss of key batting fundamentals, warning that continuing in short-format leagues could further strain the right-hander’s game.

“Babar has lost a lot of very important credentials of batting,” Rauf wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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“This is not the platform to mend your mistakes; you are just building more pressure on yourself. Your advisors are piece of s***. If you continue like this, how long will you survive?”

The criticism comes after Babar’s BBL campaign began on a challenging note, with single-digit scores in three of his four appearances for Sydney Sixers.

The lone bright spot was his 58-run innings against Sydney Thunder last week.

Abdur Rauf urged Babar to shift focus to longer formats to refine his technique and regain confidence.

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“Long format, county cricket or domestic first-class cricket is the only platform for you to work on your technique, spend most of the time on the pitch, play long innings, [and] then you will manage to improve your faults. It will not only relax your mind but also relieve stress from your body,” Rauf advised.

He also questioned Babar’s heavy involvement in franchise leagues, highlighting the unnecessary pressure they bring.

“Why are you putting more pressure on yourself by playing short formats and these leagues? You have enough money to pass your life comfortably, then why are you running after it and putting more stress on your mind and body that will lead you to ruin your career in the end?” Rauf added.

READ: England claim first Ashes victory in Australia since 2011

SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam continued his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as he was dismissed for just two runs during Sydney Sixers’ clash against Melbourne Stars on Friday.

Opening the innings for the Sixers, Babar looked uncomfortable from the outset against Tom Curran, who troubled him with a probing out-swinging line.

The right-hander failed to connect with his first three deliveries, all of which carried safely through to the wicketkeeper.

Curran eventually found the breakthrough on the fifth ball of the over, getting one to swing late and draw a thick outside edge, which was comfortably taken by Glenn Maxwell at slip.

Babar departed after facing seven balls, adding another low score to his tally.

 

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The dismissal marked the third time in the tournament that the former Pakistan captain has fallen for a single-digit score.

He had a forgettable start to his BBL campaign, managing just two runs off five balls on debut against Perth Scorchers in a match the Sixers went on to lose.

That was followed by another lean outing against Adelaide Strikers, where he scored nine off 11 deliveries, including a solitary boundary, as Sydney suffered consecutive defeats.

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Babar Azam did show signs of recovery in his third appearance, registering his first BBL half-century with a composed 58 off 42 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes.

That innings played a key role in Sydney Sixers securing their first win of the season and briefly silencing questions over his form.

READ: Pakistan U19 to begin tri-series campaign against Afghanistan

HARARE: Pakistan, the champions of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, will take on Afghanistan in their opening match of the tri-series on Saturday here at the Harare Sports Club.

Pakistan clinched the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai after defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December.

The side will play a minimum of four matches in the 50-over tri-series, which also includes hosts Zimbabwe.

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe at the Prince Edward School in Harare on 29 December, followed by their second encounter against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on 2 January.

Pakistan will then take on the hosts again on Sunday, 4 January.

The top two teams of the tournament will contest the final on Tuesday, 6 January.

The tri-series provides a valuable opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play their group-stage matches in Harare from 16 to 22 January.

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The Super Six stage will take place from 25 January to 1 February, followed by the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February.

The final of the 16-team tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.

Pakistan held their first training session on Friday ahead of their first match.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us, and the players showed great morale and intensity. The players are confident and excited as we head into the tri-series,” said Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf.

“The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations.

“Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive, and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Tri-series Pakistan fixtures:

• 27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
• 29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
• 2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
• 4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
• ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:
• 16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
• 24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
• 3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• 4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• 6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

READ: Shanto’s century powers Rajshahi Warriors to victory in BPL opener

SYLHET: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a statement performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 opener, striking a composed yet commanding century to lead Rajshahi Warriors to a convincing victory over Sylhet Titans on Friday.

Chasing a competitive target of 191, Rajshahi suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 in the third over with just 19 runs on the board.

Shanto then took control of the chase, first steadying the innings alongside Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan.

The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand, removing Farhan for a scratchy 20 off 19 balls.

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Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim joined his skipper, and the duo completely shifted the momentum with a match-winning, unbeaten partnership of 130 runs off just 71 deliveries.

Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the chase with an assured 101 not out from 60 balls, laced with ten boundaries and five sixes, while Mushfiqur provided the finishing touches with a fluent 51* off 31 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Rajshahi Warriors crossed the line comfortably, underlining their intent in their first-ever BPL outing.

Earlier, the Warriors elected to field after winning the toss against fellow debutants Sylhet Titans on a day that began on an emotional note.

Before the first ball of the season, players from both teams, match officials, and fans observed a minute’s silence as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

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Batting first, Sylhet Titans made a strong start through Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who struck a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando.

Rony Talukdar played the anchor role at the other end, scoring 41 off 34 deliveries before Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed him.

The innings gained further momentum through a rapid 86-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain.

Afif was run out after a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, but Emon carried his bat superbly, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 33 deliveries, which included four fours and five sixes. Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

READ: Josh Tongue ends 27-year wait with MCG five-wicket haul

England pacer Josh Tongue became the first English bowler in the 21st century to claim a five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday during the Boxing Day Ashes Test.

Tongue ripped through Australia’s batting line-up with career-best figures of 5 for 45, as the hosts were skittled for just 152 in their first innings on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test.

The achievement ended a 27-year drought for England at the MCG, with the last five-for at the ground coming in 1998 through Darren Gough and Dean Headley.

After England captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl on a visibly green surface, Josh Tongue led a relentless seam attack that made full use of the conditions.

The right-arm quick consistently found movement off the pitch, troubling Australia’s batters from the outset and keeping England firmly on top through the first two sessions.

Tongue’s effort marked his most productive spell in Test cricket, eclipsing his previous best of 5 for 66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023.

He came close to an even rarer feat late in the innings, finishing Australia’s first dig on a hat-trick after removing Michael Neser and Scott Boland with successive deliveries.

Australia struggled to build any meaningful partnerships, with Neser, recalled in place of captain Pat Cummins, top-scoring with 35.

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Usman Khawaja was the only other batter to offer some resistance, making 29 at the top of the order.

The home side’s troubles began early as Travis Head and Jake Weatherald were dismissed cheaply, while Steve Smith’s stay was short-lived as he was bowled for nine.

England maintained the pressure after lunch, with Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse chipping in with key breakthroughs to ensure Australia never recovered from the early damage.

However, the match swung sharply after tea as Australia hit back with the ball. England’s batting line-up collapsed to 110 in just 29.5 overs, handing the hosts a first-innings lead of 42 runs despite Tongue’s earlier heroics.

Neser capped off a strong all-round showing by leading Australia’s bowling attack with figures of 4 for 45 from 10 overs.

Scott Boland claimed three wickets, while Mitchell Starc supported well with two scalps on a pitch that continued to assist the seamers.

Harry Brook was the lone bright spot for England with an attacking 41 off 38 deliveries, while Atkinson added a valuable 28 from the lower order to push the total past the 100-run mark.

By stumps on day one, Australia had reached 4 without loss in a brief second-innings burst, extending their overall advantage to 46 runs.

READ: BPL pays tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi

SYLHET: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 season began on a sombre note on Friday as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi ahead of the tournament’s opening match in Sylhet.

Before the first ball was bowled in the season opener between debutants Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, players from both teams, match officials, and spectators observed a minute’s silence in memory of Hadi.

 

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Fans inside the stadium joined in prayer, creating a poignant moment that underlined the national impact of his death.

Hadi, who passed away on December 18, 2025, was a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and was widely regarded as one of the emerging voices of the country’s youth politics.

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He served as a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, translated as the “Platform for Revolution,” and was preparing to contest the upcoming general elections as a parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8’s Bijoynagar constituency.

The 32-year-old succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Singapore, where he had been undergoing treatment following an assassination attempt earlier this month in Dhaka.

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The BCB’s decision to honour Hadi at the BPL opener was seen as a gesture of solidarity, acknowledging his influence beyond politics and recognising his standing as a symbol of youth activism in the country.

The tribute marked the start of a new BPL season that brings significant changes to the league’s landscape.

The 2025–26 edition features several new franchises, including Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express. Established sides Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders also return to the tournament.

READ: Here’s why Abrar Ahmed pulled out of BPL 2025-26

Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will not feature in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 after sources clarified the circumstances behind his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament.

Abrar had been picked by Chattogram Royals for the 12th edition of the BPL, but it has now emerged that his inclusion in the auction took place without his prior approval.

According to sources, the franchise listed Abrar in the players’ auction despite not securing his consent. When contacted by the team after the auction, the spinner made it clear that he had not agreed to participate in the league.

Following the clarification, Chattogram Royals opted to move on and have since informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of the situation, replacing Abrar with an alternative signing ahead of the tournament.

The development came amid strong Pakistani interest at the BPL players’ auction held on November 30, where several emerging talents attracted notable bids.

Fast bowler Ihsanullah emerged as the most expensive Pakistani signing, with Noakhali Express securing his services for USD 28,000 in the Category C foreign players segment.

Ihsanullah has previously represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is and had earlier been associated with Rangpur Riders, though he did not feature in a match for them.

Middle-order batter Haider Ali was also picked by Noakhali Express for USD 20,000.

The 23-year-old has played 37 international matches for Pakistan and brings prior BPL experience, having scored 213 runs in 13 games at an average of 26.62, including a highest score of 48 not out.

All-rounder Jahandad Khan, who made his T20I debut against Australia last November and has featured in eight T20Is so far, was acquired by Durbar Rajshahi for USD 20,000 in the same category.

These three players will join a group of five Pakistan cricketers who were directly signed before the auction.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Amir have been roped in by Sylhet Titans, Usman Khan will represent Dhaka Capitals, Khawaja Nafay has signed with Rangpur Riders, while Sahibzada Farhan will turn out for Rajshahi Warriors.

READ: Boxing Day Ashes Test sets cricket attendance record at MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed history even before the first day’s play reached the tea interval as the Boxing Day Ashes Test produced the largest cricket crowd ever recorded at the iconic venue.

A staggering 94,199 spectators packed into the MCG on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test, setting a new all-time attendance record for a single day of cricket at the ground.

The figure surpassed the previous high of 93,013, which was set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.

Friday’s turnout also established a new benchmark for Test cricket at the MCG, eclipsing the 91,112 fans who attended Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England.

With tickets for Days 2 and 3 already sold out, this year’s Boxing Day Test has also placed the cumulative Ashes attendance record of 271,865, set in 2013, firmly within reach.

Australia currently hold a commanding 3–0 lead in the Ashes series, with the Sydney Test still to come after the Melbourne clash.

In a broader historical context, the crowd ranks as the second-largest ever to attend a single day of Test cricket, behind only the famous India-Pakistan Test in Kolkata in 1998–99, which drew over 100,000 spectators.

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The record-breaking crowd was rewarded with a dramatic opening day as 20 wickets fell on a lively pitch.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl on a green surface under overcast conditions, a decision that paid early dividends as Australia were bowled out for 152.

Josh Tongue led England’s attack with a superb spell, claiming 5 for 45 as the hosts struggled to build partnerships.

However, England’s response with the bat proved even more fragile. They slumped to 16 for 4 and never truly recovered, eventually being dismissed for just 110.

Australia were left to negotiate a single over before stumps and did so safely, with nightwatchman Scott Boland seeing out the day alongside Travis Head.

At the close, the hosts were 4 without loss, holding a slender but crucial 46-run lead on a day that delivered both record crowds and relentless action.

READ: 20 wickets fall on Day 1 as Australia gain edge in Boxing Day Ashes Test

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has thrown Ravi Shastri’s name into the debate surrounding the English team’s coaching future, suggesting the former India head coach would be an ideal candidate.

England’s struggles on the ongoing Ashes tour of Australia have once again put Brendon McCullum’s methods under the microscope.

The visitors are trailing 0-3 in the five-match series with two Tests still remaining, having effectively lost the Ashes inside the first 11 days of the contest.

The disappointing showing has reignited questions over England’s tactical approach and the long-term effectiveness of the much-hyped ‘Bazball’ philosophy.

McCullum was appointed England head coach in 2022 by ECB managing director Rob Key following a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

His early impact was dramatic, as England, under McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, won 10 of their first 11 Test matches and appeared rejuvenated in both approach and results.

However, that momentum has faded over time. Since the initial surge, England have struggled for consistency, failing to win a five-match Test series against either Australia or India and losing 16 of their next 33 Tests.

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The current Ashes campaign has further exposed those issues, particularly in Australian conditions.

Monty Panesar believes Shastri’s proven success in Australia makes him a standout option should England look for a change at the top.

“You have to ask who actually knows how to beat Australia,” Panesar said. “How do you exploit their weaknesses mentally, physically and tactically? For me, Ravi Shastri should be England’s next head coach.”

Shastri’s credentials in Australia are well established. During his stint as India’s head coach, the team secured historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia in both 2018/19 and 2020/21.

The latter triumph was especially remarkable, coming after India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and despite a tour ravaged by injuries to key players.

Despite the mounting pressure, McCullum has publicly stated his desire to continue in the role, while admitting that his future may no longer be entirely in his own hands.

The former New Zealand captain remains under contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, a period that also includes the next home Ashes series scheduled for the same year.

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