United News of Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put an end to speculation regarding Bangladesh's future in global tournaments, confirming that the Tigers will directly qualify for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Questions had arisen about Bangladesh's eligibility for the next edition after the team opted out of the ongoing tournament in India and Sri Lanka. However, an ICC press release issued today clarified that Bangladesh’s participation in the 2028 event, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has been secured based on their ICC T20I team ranking. Bangladesh avoids sanctions as Sethi says ICC ‘backed down’ to end boycott The qualification picture became clear following Pakistan's victory over Namibia in Colombo today, which finalized the Super Eight lineup. The teams advancing to the next round—Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies, England, South Africa, and New Zealand—have all automatically qualified for the 2028 edition. According to the qualification rules for the 20-team tournament, 12 teams qualify automatically. This includes the co-hosts and the top performers from the current World Cup. While Australia failed to reach the Super Eight this year, their spot is guaranteed as a host nation. With nine spots filled (the Super Eight teams plus Australia), the remaining three automatic slots are determined by the ICC T20I rankings as of March 9, the day after the current World Cup final. ICC delegation lands in Lahore for crisis talks over India-Pakistan World Cup match Currently, Bangladesh sits at 9th in the rankings, followed by Afghanistan at 10th and Ireland at 12th. The ICC noted that with no upcoming T20 International fixtures scheduled before the March 9 cutoff that could mathematically alter these positions, the qualification of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland is effectively confirmed. The remaining eight spots for the 2028 tournament will be filled through regional qualifiers.

Pakistan silenced any fears of an upset today, dismantling Namibia by 102 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium to book their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup. The commanding victory takes Pakistan to 6 points in the group stage and secures their direct qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a daunting total of 199, anchored by a record-breaking century from opener Sahibzada Farhan. The 29-year-old blazed his way to a maiden international T20 hundred off just 57 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century by a Pakistani in T20 World Cup history. He surpassed Ahmed Shehzad’s 58-ball effort against Bangladesh in 2014, becoming only the second Pakistani to reach triple figures in the tournament's history. Farhan’s innings was a tale of two halves; after a steady start where he took 27 balls for his first 30 runs, he exploded to score his next 70 runs in just 31 deliveries, striking 11 fours and 4 sixes. Rashid Khan creates history with 700 T20 wickets His knock propelled him to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 220 runs, overtaking South Africa’s Aiden Markram (178). Support came from captain Salman Agha (38 off 23) and a finishing flurry from Shadab Khan (36 off 22). In reply, Namibia crumbled under the pressure of the massive target. They were reduced to 49 for 4 inside 7.3 overs, with key batters Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Lohan Louwrens departing early. The collapse was orchestrated by mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who claimed career-best figures of 4 for 16. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan also shone with the ball, taking 3 for 19 as Namibia were bundled out for just 97. This tournament has now seen three centuries—a first for any T20 World Cup edition—with Farhan joining Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Canada’s Yuvraj Singh Samra on the honors board.

The Bangladesh 'A' women's cricket team continued their imperious form in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, dismantling the Malaysia women's national team by 90 runs today. The victory secures a clean sweep for Bangladesh in the group stage, having won all three of their matches to finish as undisputed champions of Group B. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a commanding total of 151 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the experienced Lata Mondal, who top-scored with a fluent 48 off 44 balls. ACC summons cricket ace Shakib Al Hasan She found able support from Sharmin Sultana (30) and captain Fahima Khatun (29). Mondal and Khatun stitched together a crucial 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping the team accelerate and add 54 runs in the final five overs. In reply, Malaysia crumbled under pressure, managing only 61 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Fatema Jahan made a dream debut in recognized cricket, tearing through the Malaysian lineup with figures of 3 for 10. She was well supported by off-spinner Sharifa Khatun (2 for 13) and Lata Mondal, who capped a brilliant all-round performance with figures of 1 for 2 from her two overs. Only one Malaysian batter, Nur Arianna Natsya (22 not out), managed to reach double figures as the team slumped to 30 for 7 at one stage in the 13th over. Lata Mondal was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution. With 6 points from 3 matches, Bangladesh 'A' have topped the group. They previously defeated Sri Lanka 'A' by 4 runs and edged past hosts Thailand by 3 wickets in a thriller. Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” Bangladesh will now face Pakistan 'A' in the semi-finals on Friday. The opponent for India 'A' in the other semi-final will be decided by the match between Sri Lanka 'A' and Thailand.

A group of former international cricket captains has urged Pakistan’s government to provide “immediate and adequate medical attention” to jailed former prime minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in custody. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the former players expressed deep concern over reports of worsening eyesight and prison conditions during Khan’s incarceration since August 2023, reports Al Jazeera. The appeal was drafted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell and signed by several prominent cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Ian Chappell, John Wright and David Gower. The signatories said recent reports, including claims that Khan has only about 15 percent vision in his right eye, were alarming and warranted urgent specialist treatment. They also called for humane detention conditions, regular family access and fair legal proceedings. Khan’s family has rejected government claims that his health has improved, saying any assessment without the presence of his personal doctor and family representative is unacceptable. His sister Aleema Khan alleged that authorities ignored his medical complaints for months, leading to serious vision loss. The 73-year-old former all-rounder led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1992 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest cricketers. He was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022 and later imprisoned on multiple charges, which he denies. Supporters of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have recently staged protests outside parliament demanding proper medical care and access for his family and doctors.

In a contest that evoked memories of their fierce football rivalry, England narrowly avoided a shocking upset against T20 World Cup debutants Italy at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Despite a spirited fightback from the Azzurri, the defending champions held their nerve to secure a 24-run victory and book their spot in the Super Eight. With this win, England finishes the group stage with 6 points from 4 matches, joining the West Indies as the second team to qualify from Group C. Chasing a formidable target of 203, Italy gave England a serious scare, reaching 178 before being bowled out on the final ball of the 20th over. Rashid Khan creates history with 700 T20 wickets The chase was spearheaded by a blistering knock from Ben Manenti, who smashed 60 off just 25 balls, including 6 sixes. His 92-run partnership with Justin Mosca (43 off 34) threatened to take the game away from the English. However, the turning point came in the final two overs. Needing 30 runs from 12 balls, Italy faltered against Sam Curran’s disciplined bowling in the 19th over, which conceded just 5 runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Grant Stewart (45 off 23). Jamie Overton then sealed the deal with a double-wicket maiden in the 20th over. Earlier, England posted 202 for 7 after opting to bat first. All-rounder Will Jacks provided the late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 53 off just 22 balls as England plundered 78 runs in the final 5 overs. Italy’s chase began disastrously, losing both openers for just 1 run in Jofra Archer’s opening over. Despite being reduced to 22 for 3 by the fourth over, the counter-attack led by Manenti and Stewart kept the contest alive until the very end, earning the newcomers respect on the global stage.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday dismissed speculations that its president Aminul Islam has left the country permanently following the recent general election. Board officials clarified Aminul Islam is currently in Australia on a personal visit to meet his family and is scheduled to return. Rumours of Aminul’s departure gained traction after several media outlets suggested he might not return, given that the interim government under which he took office is set to hand over power within a day. BCB president Aminul skips India-Pakistan clash in Colombo Adding to the speculation is the fact that Aminul was a resident of Australia before assuming the BCB presidency. Amzad Hussain, BCB Director and Chairman of the Media Committee, told UNB, “He went to meet his family. From there, he will join the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final match. Then he will come back.”   The controversy surrounding Aminul’s travel comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket. The national team recently opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. The BCB had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately rejected. BCB files GD against ‘fabricated’ fixing rumors involving president While some cricket analysts have labeled the withdrawal a diplomatic failure on Islam’s part, the BCB and the outgoing interim government have stood firm on their decision. They maintain that the safety of Bangladeshi players, fans and journalists in India could not be guaranteed and have expressed no regret over the move.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has etched his name in history by becoming the first bowler to claim 700 wickets in recognized T20 cricket. The leg-spinner achieved the monumental milestone during Afghanistan's T20 World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The historic moment arrived in the 16th over of the UAE innings. Rashid, bowling his final spell, dismissed batter Muhammad Irfan in unusual fashion. Attempting a reverse sweep, Irfan lost his balance and dislodged the bails, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal. Afghanistan sends South Africa in to bat in must-win T20 World Cup match Rashid had been hovering on the brink of the record since the previous match against South Africa, where he took two wickets to reach 699. Despite the magnitude of the achievement, the Afghan skipper’s celebration was understated, as he appeared focused on the immediate challenge of Super Eight qualification. With this feat, Rashid has established a significant lead at the top of the all-time T20 wicket-taking charts. His nearest rival is former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo with 631 wickets, while the closest active player is Sunil Narine with 613. Rashid also tops the charts in T20 Internationals with 191 wickets, ahead of New Zealand’s Tim Southee (164) and Ish Sodhi (162). New Zealand script historic chase to beat Afghanistan in World Cup Speaking before the South Africa match last Tuesday, Rashid downplayed the personal accolade. “I didn’t set a goal to stop at 700 wickets. When I play for the country in the World Cup, my 100 percent effort is to take wickets according to the team’s needs,” he said.

India has stormed into the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The emphatic win guarantees India the top spot in Group A with three consecutive victories, while leaving Pakistan facing a do-or-die scenario in their final group match. Despite the intense buildup, which saw black-market ticket prices soar to four times their face value and hotels in Colombo fully booked, the on-field contest proved to be surprisingly one-sided. The match was attended by top cricket administrators, including ICC Chairman Jay Shah and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in what was billed as an opportunity for cricket diplomacy. However, the traditional coldness between the neighbors remained visible as the two captains skipped the customary handshake, keeping the rivalry as tense off the field as it is on it. Put into bat on a sluggish surface, India faced an immediate surprise when Pakistan captain Salman Agha opened the bowling himself, dismissing dangerous opener Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the very first over. However, Ishan Kishan seized control of the innings, smashing a blistering 77 off just 40 balls—the fastest fifty in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Along with Tilak Varma, he stitched a crucial 87-run partnership. Despite Pakistan deploying a record six spinners in an attempt to utilize the slow conditions, India posted a competitive 175 for 7. In reply, Pakistan’s chase never found momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing openers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34 for 4 inside the powerplay. Although Usman Khan offered some resistance with a fighting 44, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who claimed two wickets each. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs. The result has simplified the equation for Group A. Pakistan, currently on 4 points, must defeat Namibia on February 18 to join India in the Super Eight. Pakistan ended boycott because Bangladesh’s demands were met: PCB chief A victory would see them progress ahead of the United States—who have finished their group matches with 4 points—due to a superior Net Run Rate. However, a shock defeat to Namibia would eliminate the former champions and send the Americans through to the next round. For other teams, the pressure is mounting in Group B, where Australia faces a critical test against hosts Sri Lanka today. A loss for the Australians would leave them on the brink of elimination, needing other results to go their way, whereas a win for Sri Lanka would secure their progression.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam has decided not to attend today’s high-voltage T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, reportedly because the Bangladesh national team is not participating in the tournament. According to BCB sources, Aminul returned to Dhaka yesterday morning following an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Kuwait and has decided to remain in the country. Despite attempts to reach him, he did not respond to queries regarding his travel plans. ‘World Cup boycott was govt’s  decision, I remain firm on this’: Asif Nazrul The decision comes despite Aminul’s pivotal role in the recent diplomatic efforts to save the fixture. He was a key figure in the trilateral meeting in Lahore involving the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where he urged Pakistan to drop their boycott threat—a threat made in solidarity with Bangladesh’s exclusion from the World Cup. The ICC had invited the board presidents of the five Asian Test-playing nations to watch the match together in Sri Lanka, aiming to use the occasion to bridge diplomatic gaps. While PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Chairman Jay Shah will be in attendance alongside the Sri Lankan board chief, Aminul’s seat will remain empty.

A confident West Indies will look to continue their winning streak and stay on top of Group C when they take on a struggling Nepal in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The Caribbean side has won both of its matches and leads the group with the best net run rate. Another win will strengthen their chances of finishing as group toppers, especially with a match against Italy coming up next. However, they are expected to stay cautious despite Nepal’s poor run so far. Nepal, though yet to win in the tournament, have shown moments of resilience and could pose a surprise challenge. They also carry confidence from their 2-1 T20I series win over West Indies last September. But the team will be eager to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Italy in their previous match. West Indies entered the tournament quietly after series losses to New Zealand, Afghanistan and South Africa. However, their strong performances here — including wins over Scotland and England suggest they have regained form at the right time. Different players have stepped up in each match, pleasing head coach Daren Sammy. Aggressive batting from Shimron Hetmyer and the steady presence of Roston Chase have strengthened the middle order, while Sherfane Rutherford made a key impact against England. However, their pace bowlers may face a challenge on Wankhede pitches, which have favoured spinners in recent matches. Zimbabwe stun Australia by 23 runs in T20 World Cup Nepal, meanwhile, must recover from their 10-wicket loss to Italy and improve both batting and bowling plans. Their spin attack, led by Sandeep Lamichhane, will need better execution after questionable decisions in the last game. Although Nepal’s chances of reaching the Super Eight look slim after two losses, the team still has pride and momentum to fight for as they seek their first T20 World Cup win since 2014. With inputs from NDTV