Cricket

Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana Eyes Victory in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of the highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana has expressed her team's determination to make a mark on the global stage. Bangladesh will embark on their World Cup journey on Thursday, facing Scotland in their opening match.Sultana believes that this tournament presents a golden opportunity for her team to showcase their talent and potential. "It is a huge opportunity for the team, playing this kind of event in front of the world, to show the talent and the potential we have," she said.The Bangladesh skipper has set a clear goal for her team: to secure a victory in every match. "Individually, this will be my fourth T20 World Cup for Bangladesh, but I'm yet to win a game - so first and foremost, as a team or as an individual player, my goal is to get a win," Sultana stated.Bangladesh's aspirations extend beyond just winning matches. They aim to push for a semi-final berth in the prestigious tournament. "That will give us momentum we can use throughout the tournament as we try and push for a semi-final spot," Sultana added.Bangladesh finds itself in a competitive Group B, alongside England, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies. Despite a disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match, Bangladesh bounced back with a victory over Pakistan, instilling confidence within the team.Sultana acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about her team's chances. "We are trying to push for the semi-final spot. We know it will be tough, but we are confident that we can do it," she said.The Bangladesh squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 comprises:* Nigar Sultana (C, WK)* Nahida Akter* Murshida Khatun* Shorna Akter* Ritu Moni* Sobhana Mostary* Rabeya Khan* Sultana Khatun* Fahima Khatun* Marufa Akter* Jahanara Alam* Dilara Akter* Taj Nehar* Shathi Rani* Disha Biswas

Bangladesh and Scotland Face Off in Women's Cricket World Cup DebutBangladesh and Scotland will make their historic debuts in the Women's Cricket World Cup on Saturday, February 11, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Bangladesh Squad:* Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)* Nahida Akter* Murshida Khatun* Shorna Akter* Ritu Moni* Sobhana Mostary* Rabeya Khan* Sultana Khatun* Fahima Khatun* Marufa Akter* Jahanara Alam* Dilara Akter* Taj Nehar* Shathi Rani* Disha BiswasScotland Squad:* Kathryn Bryce (capt)* Chloe Abel* Abbi Aitken-Drummond* Olivia Bell* Sarah Bryce (wk)* Darcey Carter* Priyanaz Chatterji* Katherine Fraser* Saskia Horley* Lorna Jack* Ailsa Lister* Abtaha Maqsood* Megan McColl* Hannah Rainey* Rachel SlaterTournament Form Guide:In the pre-tournament warm-up games, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by 33 runs but defeated Pakistan by 23 runs. Scotland, on the other hand, beat Pakistan by eight wickets but lost to Sri Lanka by five wickets.Player to Watch: Nahida AkterNahida Akter, with 99 T20I wickets, is on the cusp of becoming the first Bangladeshi woman and only the third Bangladeshi player overall to reach 100 T20I wickets. Her ability to exploit the right-handed batters in Scotland's lineup could prove crucial for Bangladesh's success.Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: A Battle of Former ChampionsIn the evening match at Sharjah, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both former champions, will clash in a highly anticipated encounter.Pakistan Squad:* Fatima Sana (capt)* Aliya Riaz* Diana Baig* Gull Feroza* Iram Javed* Muneeba Ali (wk)* Nashra Sandhu* Nida Dar* Omaima Sohail* Sadaf Shamas* Sadia Iqbal* Sidra Amin* Syeda Aroob Shah* Tasmia Rubab* Tuba HassanSri Lanka Squad:* Chamari Athapaththu (capt)* Harshitha Samarawickrama* Vishmi Gunaratne* Kavisha Dilshari* Nilakshika Silva* Hasini Perera* Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)* Sachini Nisansala* Udeshika Prabodhani* Inoshi Priyadharshani* Achini Kulasuriya* Inoka Ranaweera* Shashini Gimhani* Ama Kanchana* Sugandika KumariTournament Form Guide:Pakistan lost both their warm-up games, while Sri Lanka emerged victorious in both.Player to Watch: Chamari AthapaththuChamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka's captain and star batter, will be under the spotlight as her team aims to live up to their status as tournament dark horses. Her leadership and batting prowess will be key to Sri Lanka's success.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli extended a heartwarming gesture to Bangladesh's retiring all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan after India's 2-0 Test series sweep in Kanpur on October 1, 2024. Shakib, who played his last overseas Test in Kanpur, has expressed concerns about his ability to leave Bangladesh for the upcoming home series against South Africa due to ongoing legal issues.After the second Test concluded with India's seven-wicket victory, Kohli approached the Bangladesh team and presented Shakib with a signed bat. The duo exchanged pleasantries and shared a laugh as Shakib playfully swung the willow. Shakib is a popular figure in India, having played 71 IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.However, Shakib's career has been marred by a murder charge stemming from the civil unrest that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib was a member of parliament from Hasina's Awami League party. The current regime in Bangladesh has expressed reluctance to grant Shakib a farewell, with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Farukh Ahmed stating that his organization is not a security agency.Given these circumstances, Kanpur could potentially be Shakib's final Test match. He is expected to retire from international cricket after the Champions Trophy next year. Currently residing in the United States, Shakib's future in Bangladesh remains uncertain.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's request for security to play his final Test match at home has sparked a debate about his political stance. Shakib, who announced his retirement ahead of the second Test against India, expressed his desire to play his last game against South Africa in Dhaka. However, his involvement in a murder case and subsequent FIR has raised concerns about his safety.Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud responded to Shakib's request, stating that he would receive security like any other cricketer. However, he emphasized that Shakib's former political affiliation cannot be ignored. Shakib contested the general elections as a candidate for the Awami League, which has drawn mixed reactions from the public.Mahmud clarified that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is obligated to provide security to all citizens, including Shakib. However, he raised concerns about potential public outrage towards Shakib due to his political identity. He suggested that Shakib should clarify his political stance to mitigate any security risks."If the general people have outrage towards him because of his political identity... can they, five or six people, protect me?" Mahmud questioned. "Hence, if the people are angry with me, then I have to reduce that with my words. I think he has to make his position clear and talk about his political standpoint."Mahmud cited the example of former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who had previously addressed his political views. He emphasized that if there are security risks from the public, no one can guarantee protection, even for high-profile individuals like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.Shakib's political involvement has been a topic of discussion in Bangladesh. Some have criticized his decision to enter politics while others have defended his right to do so. The debate over his security request highlights the complex relationship between sports and politics in the country.

Bangladesh's government has pledged to provide cricketer Shakib Al Hasan with security befitting a national player. However, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has emphasized that Shakib must clarify his political stance to appease the public.Mahmud acknowledged Shakib's declining popularity due to his silence during the recent student-led protests, which resulted in numerous casualties. At a press conference in Kanpur, Shakib evaded questions about his position on the political upheaval in Bangladesh.Mahmud attributed Shakib's predicament to his dual role as a cricketer and politician. He noted that Shakib's involvement in the Awami League, which was overthrown in a student-led revolution, has drawn public ire."The state is obligated to provide security to all citizens, including Shakib," Mahmud said. "However, we must consider his dual identities. He has two identities - the cricketer and the politician. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities."Mahmud emphasized that while the government will provide security to Shakib as a cricketer, it cannot guarantee his safety if the public remains hostile towards him due to his political affiliation."If half the country's population is angry at me, then the five or six security persons I have won't be enough to protect me," Mahmud said. "Shakib can reduce the public's anger through his own words. I think he has to clarify his political standpoint."Mahmud also addressed the murder case in which Shakib has been named. He cited statements by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who indicated that Shakib's name could be removed from the case if he is not found to be complicit.Shakib is reportedly planning to return to the USA after the Kanpur Test. He is not part of the T20I squad for the upcoming series against India, having announced his retirement from the shortest format.

Bangladesh's selectors have made significant changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against India, recalling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and opener Parvez Hossain Emon. The series, scheduled to begin next week, will mark Mehidy's return to the T20I format after a year-long absence.Mehidy, a key all-rounder in Tests and ODIs, has been entrusted with a new role in the T20I side. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained that Mehidy will be expected to bat higher up the order, filling the void left by the recently retired Shakib Al Hasan."We feel that Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a good batter who can handle the middle order," Ashraf said. "We didn't pick him in the previous [T20] World Cup as we usually feel that he has a strong role as an allrounder in Tests and ODIs."Mehidy's batting credentials in T20Is are modest, with 248 runs in 20 innings at an average of 14.58 and a strike rate of 118.66. However, the selectors believe he has the potential to excel in the new role.Parvez Hossain Emon, a left-handed opener, has also been recalled to the squad after impressing the selectors in recent camps. He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who has been left out.Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan has been included in the squad due to an injury to Tanvir Islam. Rakibul is expected to provide support to the pace attack, which remains unchanged.Despite his mixed performance in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, veteran Mahmudullah has retained his place in the squad. Ashraf expressed confidence in Mahmudullah's abilities and emphasized the value of experienced players.Bangladesh's T20Is against India will be played in Gwalior (October 6), New Delhi (October 9), and Hyderabad (October 12).

Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in a three-match ODI series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November. The series will serve as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the series, which will take place on November 6, 9, and 11. The exact venues for the matches are yet to be announced.The series was originally scheduled as part of a full tour that included Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to tour the UAE or India in June due to extreme summer temperatures.After extensive discussions, the two boards agreed to proceed with only the ODI leg of the tour. The BCB was keen on playing the ODIs as Bangladesh has only played three ODIs so far in 2024.BCB president Faruque Ahmed met with ACB officials on the sidelines of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Malaysia. Ahmed expressed the BCB's desire to play three ODIs against Afghanistan before their tour of the West Indies.After the Afghanistan series, Bangladesh will travel to the Caribbean for a two-Test, three-ODI, and three-T20I series against the West Indies.Afghanistan, on the other hand, has played eight ODIs this year, including a historic 2-1 series win against South Africa. After the Bangladesh series, Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for a full series across all three formats.The Afghanistan-Bangladesh ODI series will provide both teams with valuable match practice ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent success against South Africa, while Bangladesh will be aiming to improve their ODI record in 2024.

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has expressed his cautious optimism regarding Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir, who took over the reins from Rahul Dravid in July, has overseen India's emphatic 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai. However, Tamim believes it is premature to fully assess Gambhir's impact."When you're winning, you don't know the real character of the man," Tamim said. "It's only when you lose a series, then you lose another, that the real character comes out."Tamim acknowledged Gambhir's capabilities but emphasized the need for time to evaluate his performance. "No doubt, he is a capable man, but it's too early," he said. "Let India have a bad game, then we will see what comes out."Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first in the second Test in Kanpur. India, who lead the two-match series 1-0, have fielded an unchanged side. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have made two changes, with Khaled Ahmed and Taijul Islam replacing Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.The start of the match was delayed due to a wet outfield. India had won the opening Test by a commanding margin of 280 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder of the Bangladesh cricket team, has expressed his desire to play his final Test match on home soil against South Africa in October. However, his request for security guarantees from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been met with a response that the board cannot provide such assurances.Shakib's concerns stem from the political unrest in Bangladesh during July and August, when he was named in a murder case related to anti-government protests. The government fell on August 5, and Shakib has not been in Bangladesh since then.BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated that the board is not a security agency and cannot provide personal security to individuals. He emphasized that Shakib's security must come from the highest level of government."Shakib's security is not in the board's hand," Faruque said. "The board can't provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that. His security has to come from the highest level of the government."Faruque added that the BCB has not spoken to anyone in the government about Shakib's case, as it is a sub-judice matter. He also said that he did not try to change Shakib's mind about quitting Test cricket."Of course there's going to be nothing like it, [if he plays] his last Test at home. Shakib is going through a difficult phase of his life. I didn't try to [talk him out of the retirement]. He thought that this was the right time for him to retire. I respect his decision."Previously, Bangladesh's law adviser Asif Nazrul expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested if he returned to the country to play. However, Shakib remains concerned about his safety and security."I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn't have any problem going back to Bangladesh," he said. "My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it."The BCB's stance of not being able to guarantee Shakib's safety is not surprising, as the board has limited political clout following a recent revamp.