Tag: Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government on Monday ordered an immediate ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the release of national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 season.

In an official statement, the local administration said the decision was taken after a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led to Mustafizur’s exclusion from the KKR squad for the IPL, which is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026.

“No rational reason for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the statement read.

“Under these circumstances, until further notice, instructions have been issued to stop the broadcast and telecast of all IPL matches and programmes.”

The government added that the order had been issued in the public interest and with the approval of the competent authority.

“This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest.”

Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most high-profile cricketers, was released by Kolkata after the franchise was “advised” by the BCCI to do so in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

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The 30-year-old left-arm pacer had been picked up by KKR for more than one million dollars at the IPL auction in December.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s role in the decision, stating that “considering recent developments”, Kolkata were advised to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.

Kolkata Knight Riders, which is majority-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, later said the move was made after due consultations.

“His release has been carried out following due process,” the franchise said in a statement, adding that the BCCI would allow the defending champions to sign a replacement player under IPL regulations.

The situation further intensified on Sunday when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the national team would not travel to India for its scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Following an emergency meeting, the BCB said it had formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka.

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DHAKA: The Bangladesh cricket team has decided to pull out of its fixtures scheduled in India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Sunday.

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

The decision came in the light of pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s abrupt exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

A day earlier, the left-arm pacer was excluded from the KKR’s squad on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), after an emergency meeting on Sunday, said it had “formally requested” the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift its games to Sri Lanka.

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“The Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions,” a BCB statement read.

The board linked the decision to players’ security and safety upon the government’s advice.

Earlier, Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Adviser in the interim government, said that Dhaka “will not accept any insult to Bangladeshi cricket, cricketers and Bangladesh under any circumstances.”

For the unversed, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh, who are slotted in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, were scheduled to play the first three out of their four Super 8 fixtures in Kolkata.

Initially, the mega event was to be hosted solely by India, but strained relations with Pakistan — who will play their matches in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model — led to this decision.

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DHAKA: Litton Das is set to lead the Bangladesh 15-member squad in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin in Sri Lanka and India on 7 February.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed made a return to the side after missing out on the previous series against Ireland. Meanwhile, top-order batter Saif Hassan is named as Das’ deputy.

Jaker Ali is among the notable absentees, who has been axed for the first time since March 2024 after playing all 45 T20Is for the Tigers during this timeframe.

Das, Tanzid Hasan, and Saif Hassan comprise a good top-order, whereas Parvez Hosain Emon could be utilized at the No.04 position.

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Overall, the Tigers, who have appeared in all previous editions, will look to rewrite history with improved performances.

The squad’s strength lies in its fast bowling, with seasoned pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman alongside Tanzim Hasan, Shoriful Islam, and Mohammad Saifuddin.

Rishad Hossain will lead a potent spin attack that includes Nasum Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan.

Bangladesh’s first three fixtures in the Super 8s are scheduled in Kolkata; however, with strained ties with India, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to formally write to the ICC requesting a venue change to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh are placed in Group C with England, the West Indies, Nepal, and Italy.

Bangladesh T20 World Cup group fixtures:

v West Indies: February 7, Kolkata

v Italy: February 9, Kolkata

v England: February 14, Kolkata

v Nepal: February 17, Mumbai

Squad

Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam

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DHAKA: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball and Test series in 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed in a statement on Friday. 

BCB has revealed a stacked home international calendar for the 2026 season, with Bangladesh playing four Tests, 12 ODIs, and nine T20Is.

The Tigers’ home season will commence in March following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan touring the country for a three-match ODI series.

Following that, New Zealand will tour for a white-ball series that begins on 17 April.

Pakistan will also play a two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

“The confirmed itinerary ensures a season full of international cricket in Bangladesh, providing supporters across the country the opportunity to watch top-level cricket at home while details of match venues will be announced in due course,” BCB said in a statement.

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The schedule also includes the Australia white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which will begin on 5 June with three ODIs and three T20Is, set to be played between 15 and 20 June.

Meanwhile, the board also confirmed the rescheduling of the India series that was postponed in 2025.

India will play three One-Day Internationals and the same number of T20Is in August-September 2026.

“The series that was postponed earlier between Bangladesh and India has been rescheduled,” Shahriar Nafees, BCB cricket operation in-charge told Cricbuzz.

The India tour will follow a two-match Test series against West Indies that will form part of the WTC.

The opening match of the series will be on 28 October, followed by the second fixture on 5 November.

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DUBAI: Dominant Pakistan crushed Bangladesh by eight wickets to set up ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup final against arch-rivals India on Sunday.

Set partly 122 in a match reduced to 27 overs per side due to rain, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the third ball of the 16th over, losing two wickets in the process.

Pakistan had a poor start in pursuit of the target as opener Hamza Zahoor was sent back without scoring in the first over.

After an early blow, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan paired up for an 86-run stand in 10.3 overs, which put the Green Shirts near the victory.

Usman Khan was trapped lbw for 27 off 26 with the help of two sixes and two fours. This was the only silver lining for depleted Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Sameen Minhas stringed another 36*run stand with Ahmed Hussain to take his side into the final.

Minhas unbeaten 69* from 57 included six fours and two sixes while Hussain made 11 from 14 balls.

For Bangladesh, Samiun Basir and Iqbal Hossain Emon managed to take one apiece.

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Earlier, pacer Abdul Subhan took a four-wicket haul to help his side bundle out Bangladesh for a modest total in the second semi-final of the ACC here at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Put into bat first, Pakistan skittled Bangladesh for 121 in 26.3 overs.

In-form opener Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg added 24 in 4.4 overs, before both were removed in a span of two balls.

Following the early hiccup, skipper Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki added a stitched brief partnership of 31, which brought the total over the 50-run mark.

After a brief stand, the Tigers’ batters were looking set, but Abdul Subhan took two in the 12th over to spark a collapse that they could never recover from.

As a result, they slumped from 55-3 to 73-6 in 15.4 overs. Skipper Aziz scored 20 from 26 balls with the help of a four and a six.

With Bangladesh in deep trouble, Samiun Basir, who top-scored with 33 off 37, took them over the 100-run mark. He hit six and a four in his crucial knock that provided his side with respite lower down the order.

Eventually, the whole team was bowled out before playing their allotted overs.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul in his six overs. Huzaifa Ahsan supported him well with two wickets to his name.

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Pakistan’s all-format tour of Bangladesh is expected to be moved to a different window as both boards look to avoid a scheduling clash with the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), sources confirmed on Sunday.

As per the existing Future Tour Programme (FTP), Pakistan were slated to tour Bangladesh in March-April 2026 for a full bilateral series, featuring two Test matches, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals.

However, the original window now appears untenable after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced earlier on Sunday that PSL 11 will run from March 26 to May 3 next year.

The overlap has prompted discussions between the two cricket boards, with a rescheduling of the Bangladesh tour emerging as the most likely outcome.

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A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source confirmed that the series will be shifted to an alternative window while making it clear that the tour’s structure will remain intact.

“The series will be rescheduled. The two boards are in discussions,” the source said, adding that the number of matches will not be reduced under any circumstances.

The source also indicated that adjustments could be made within the limited-overs leg of the tour, with ODIs and T20Is potentially being reshuffled to suit the new schedule.

An official announcement is expected once consultations with the PCB are finalised.

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DHAKA: Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam etchede his name into record books as he surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Taijul, 33, increased his tally to 248 wickets, surpassing Shakib’s record of 246 wickets in the longest format of the game.

He achieved the milestone during the second Test against Ireland in the sixth over of their second innings at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here on Saturday.

Most Wickes for Bangladesh in Test Cricket

Taijul Islam 249* wickets in 58 matches
Shakib Al Hasan 246 wickets in 71 matches
Mehidy Hasan Miraz 209* wickets in 56 matches

The 33-year-old stood at 246 wickets before heading into the second Test of the series. With Ireland requiring a daunting 509 to chase, Taijul chipped in the ball and trapped opener Andy Balbirnie to record a historic feat.

Notably, right-arm off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz is third on the list with 209 wickets to his name in 56 matches.

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At stumps on day four, Taijul Islam put Bangladesh into a commanding position to win the series 2-0. The visitors are 176-6 with 333 runs more required to win the game.

The spinner had so far picked three wickets in his 20 overs.

Bangladesh remained dominant throughout the match after opting to bat first and racked up 476 runs in their first innings, courtesy of fine centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for only 265 in their first innings, followed by another abysmal show with the bat in their second innings.

For the unversed, Taijul has spearheaded Bangladesh’s spin attack in Test matches in the past couple of years and has scalped 17 five-wicket hauls alongside two ten-fers in 58 games.

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MIRPUR: Bangladesh’s wicket-keeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim joined an elite club on Thursday by scoring a century in his 100th Test, achieving the feat during the ongoing second match of the home series against Ireland.

Resuming on 99 overnight, Mushfiqur reached his hundred with a single in the second over of the morning session on day two of the second Test.

The 38-year-old batter removed his helmet, raised both hands in the air and dropped to the ground in celebration.

His knock placed him among an exclusive group of players to have marked the 100-Test milestone with a hundred.

The others are Colin Cowdrey (104 runs), Javed Miandad (145), Gordon Greenidge (149), Alec Stewart (105), Inzamam-ul-Haq (184), Ricky Ponting (120 & 143 not out), Graeme Smith (131), Hashim Amla (134), Joe Root (218) and David Warner (200).

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It was the 13th Test ton for Mushfiqur Rahim, who is now level with Mominul Haque for the highest number of centuries in Test cricket for Bangladesh.

He eventually fell to left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys for 106, edging to second slip where Andy Balbirnie completed a sharp catch.

The Ireland team offered warm applause as Mushfiqur left the field to loud cheers from the home crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Mushfiqur faced 214 balls and struck five fours during his milestone innings, which helped ease the early pressure after Bangladesh slipped to 95-3 on the opening day.

Bangladesh won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs.

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DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a host of changes to its structural leadership across formats ahead of a packed cricketing calendar.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named as the vice-captain of the Test team, whereas Test skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is named as the former’s deputy in the ODI side.

Shanto will continue to lead the Tigers in the red ball format till the end of the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Meanwhile, opening batter Saif Hassan, who has impressed with his batting in the shorter formats, has been Litton Das’ deputy in T20Is.

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The right-hander showcased his batting prowess in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025. Overall, Saif has played 18 T20Is and has four half-centuries to his name.

“Saif Hassan has been appointed as the vice-captain of the T20 team due to his consistent and impressive performances in the shortest format for Bangladesh. Liton Das has been named captain until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement.

Litton Das took over the captaincy of the T20I side in May this year and will captain the side in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Bangladesh are currently playing against Ireland in a two-match Test series. They have already secured victory in the opening match of the series by an innings and 40 runs.

Following the Test series, the Tigers will play a three-match T20I series, which will begin on 27 November.

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SYLHET: Mahmudul Hasan Joy played a 171-run knock to help Bangladesh register a dominant innings-and-47-run victory over Ireland on the fourth day of the first Test on Friday.

Debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad starred with 4-60, while Taijul Islam finished with 3-84, including the final wicket of Barry McCarthy, as Ireland were dismissed for 254 in their second innings.

Bangladesh had taken firm control of the game with a massive first-innings total of 587-8 declared in reply to Ireland’s 286.

Ireland tried to unsettle the spinners after they resumed on Friday morning with an aggressive sweep-heavy approach.

Andy McBrine resisted with a gritty 52 off 106 balls, his fifth Test half-century, but received little support until a late counterattack from McCarthy (25) and debutant Jordan Neil (36).

McCarthy and Neil added 54 runs for the ninth wicket to delay Bangladesh’s victory charge.

Murad, who took two wickets late on day three, returned to trap Irish captain Andy Balbirnie (38) with a full delivery.

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Balbirnie, who did not bat on the third evening due to a finger injury, came in at number eight.

The star for Bangladesh in the match was opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who slammed a career-best 171.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made 100, his eighth Test century and fourth as captain, equalling Mushfiqur Rahim’s tally as Bangladesh skipper.

Shadman Islam (80), Mominul Haque (80) and Liton Das (60) also contributed with the bat, while Humphreys finished with 5-170 — his second five-wicket haul in as many Tests.

The teams now move to Mirpur for the second and final Test, starting November 19 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

That match will mark Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test appearance, the first Bangladesh player to reach the milestone.

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