Cricket

Bangladesh's recent T20I defeats against India have sparked a debate within the team and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about the need for better pitches at home. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and pacer Taskin Ahmed have both emphasized the importance of playing on high-quality surfaces to improve their batting and overall performance in the shortest format.After the 86-run loss in Delhi, Taskin stressed that Bangladesh's players need to get used to posting high totals on better pitches. He admitted that the team has "a lot of room for improvement" and that they rely heavily on a few key players to contribute to the total."We have informed the board, so I am sure they are thinking about [better pitches]," Taskin said. "They gave us hope that they will make things better. It is up to them how they will improve conditions back home."Taskin also pointed out the contrast between Bangladesh's batting performance and India's, who despite losing early wickets, managed to score 222 runs. He attributed this to India's experience playing on good batting pitches in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."Most matches in IPL are high-scoring. They know how to chase big targets, and build high scores," Taskin said. "What [scores like] 130-150 is for us, is 180-200 for them. We need to grow this habit [of scoring big], but I hope we have better home conditions so that we develop the ability to score and chase big targets."The lack of quality pitches in Bangladesh has also affected the team's bowling, particularly the spinners. Taskin expressed concern that the spinners had a bad day in Delhi, which cost Bangladesh the game. He also acknowledged that the team is not adapting quickly enough to better batting conditions."We haven't improved in T20s. It is our failure," he said. "Regardless of wickets back home, we are not doing well in better conditions. We are trying hard to improve, and we are hoping we can improve. That's all we can do."The BCB has taken note of the players' concerns and is considering the future of the Shere Bangla National Stadium's curator. The board is also exploring ways to improve the quality of pitches at home to help the team develop the skills necessary to compete against top teams like India.

Bangladesh's cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan's desire to bid farewell to Test cricket on home soil may become a reality, as top officials express support for his request. Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has personally conveyed his wish for Shakib to conclude his Test career in Bangladesh."He has contributed immensely to the country. Since he wants to play his final Test match in Bangladesh, I personally hope he gets that opportunity," Bhuyain stated during the Women's T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Scotland.Bhuyain assured that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would provide Shakib with the highest level of security. However, he clarified that any allegations against the all-rounder would be handled by the Ministry of Law."We will absolutely provide the highest level of security for our players...we have already committed to ensuring Shakib Al Hasan's security, and we will honor that commitment," he added.Previously, Bhuyain had insisted that Shakib clarify his political stance before receiving security. The shift in Bhuyain's stance has raised optimism that Shakib may play his final Test at Mirpur, despite challenges stemming from his brief political involvement.Shakib, a former lawmaker, faced allegations related to a murder case last month. He expressed concerns about his safety during a press conference in Kanpur while playing in the second Test against India.A senior BCB official revealed that they are working to bring Shakib back for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The official hinted that Shakib's brief political career might work in his favor."You cannot point fingers at Shakib as a politician since he won the election, but it didn't last long—less than six months—so, how could he be punished for corruption? It's true that he is facing challenges due to his association with a certain political party, but at the same time, he didn't have much involvement as a politician," the BCB official said.Shakib is expected to inform the BCB soon about his availability for the South Africa series, bringing him closer to a possible farewell Test in front of his home crowd.

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.

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.

Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's star cricketer, is expected to return home for the upcoming Test series against South Africa despite being named in a murder case. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed confidence that Shakib will not face any legal hurdles upon his arrival.The case stems from the death of Mohammed Rubel, who was fatally wounded during anti-government protests in Dhaka on August 5. Shakib, who was a member of parliament at the time, was among 147 people named in the murder case.However, the BCB's cricket operations chief, Shahriar Nafees, stated that the caretaker government has clarified that Shakib will not be "harassed." He cited statements from the chief adviser, law adviser, and sports adviser, who have emphasized that no one will be unfairly targeted in the cases filed."We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib," Nafees said. "Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don't see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series."Shakib's return to Bangladesh has been a topic of speculation since the murder case was filed. Last month, Bangladesh's law adviser, Asif Nazrul, expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested.Despite the legal concerns, Shakib has received support from his Bangladesh teammates. However, his silence during the student-led protests has also drawn criticism.Bangladesh is currently in India for a series of Tests and T20Is. They are scheduled to play two home Tests against South Africa in October. CSA's security team has completed its evaluation of Dhaka and Chattogram, where the Tests will be played, and is expected to inform the BCB about its decision later this week.

Bangladesh's Test squad, brimming with confidence after their historic series triumph in Pakistan, commenced their preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series against India with a practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.The Tigers, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, are riding high on their recent success, having secured a commanding 10-wicket victory in the first Test against Pakistan, followed by a six-wicket win in the second. Their impressive performance has instilled a sense of optimism within the team as they gear up for the challenge of facing India.In a video shared by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on their official Twitter handle, the players were seen engaged in net practice, honing their skills ahead of the series opener. The team's focus and determination were evident as they prepared to take on the formidable Indian side.Speaking at a pre-departure press conference in Dhaka, Shanto acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead but expressed confidence in his team's abilities. "It will be a challenging series, but we have the extra confidence from the Pakistan series," he said. "I think the whole country shares that confidence now. Every series is an opportunity. We want to win both Tests, but we need to stick to our process. If we do our job, we can get a good result."The first Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 19 at the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The second Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.India, currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 68.52, will be eager to extend their dominance against Bangladesh. Their upcoming WTC series include home matches against New Zealand and Australia, as well as an away series against Australia.

Khaled Mahmud, a former Bangladesh captain and a long-serving BCB director, has resigned from his position, becoming the latest board member to depart in recent weeks. Mahmud's resignation, submitted via email, marks the end of his 11-year tenure as a BCB director.During his time on the board, Mahmud held various roles, including game development chairman and cricket operations vice-chairman. He also served as Bangladesh's team manager, assistant coach, selector, and technical director.Mahmud's resignation follows the departures of Jalal Yunus, Naimur Rahman, and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam from the BCB board. The reasons for these resignations are not entirely clear, but they come amid a period of transition for Bangladesh cricket.Mahmud's departure is a significant loss for the BCB, as he was a highly respected figure within the organization. He was instrumental in Bangladesh's Under-19 World Cup victory in 2020 and has a proven track record of success as a coach, winning the BPL with Dhaka Dynamites in 2016 and several DPL titles with Abahani Limited.As a player, Mahmud represented Bangladesh in 12 Tests and 77 ODIs, earning Player of the Match honors in Bangladesh's famous victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. He captained Bangladesh in nine Tests and 15 ODIs, although the team never won a game under his leadership.Mahmud's resignation raises questions about the future of the BCB and the direction of Bangladesh cricket. The board will need to find a suitable replacement for Mahmud and address the concerns that have led to the recent departures of several board members.

Bangladesh's historic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series in Rawalpindi marked a significant milestone for the team. This triumph was Bangladesh's first-ever Test win against Pakistan, a testament to their growing prowess in the international cricket arena.Amidst the series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faced a legal challenge regarding star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib was accused of involvement in a murder case, prompting a legal notice demanding his recall and ban from the team.The BCB initially stated that a decision on Shakib's status would be made after the first Test. However, recent reports from Cricbuzz indicate that the BCB has allowed Shakib to continue playing in the series."He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back and we replied them saying this [that he will continue to play]," BCB president Faruque Ahmed told Prothom Alo, a leading Bengali daily.Ahmed emphasized that Shakib's guilt has not been established and that he will continue to play until proven otherwise. The BCB also expressed its intention to provide Shakib with legal assistance if necessary.Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Shakib will not return home after the Pakistan series. He is scheduled to travel to England to participate in a four-day match for Surrey. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for this purpose."He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey as it will help him to adjust with red-ball cricket more than anything else," a BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz.Following his stint with Surrey, Shakib will join the Bangladesh team for the two-match Test series against India, commencing on September 19.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, will continue to play and represent Bangladesh until proven guilty. This decision comes despite Shakib's involvement in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid recent unrest.Initially, BCB officials had suggested that a decision regarding Shakib's future participation would be made after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. However, the situation escalated legally when Shajib Mahmood Alam, a lawyer from the Supreme Court, on behalf of Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, sent a legal notice to the BCB.The notice demanded Shakib's immediate removal from cricket, stating that according to the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a player named in a legal case should not remain part of the national team. It also called for Shakib to aid in the investigation and urged the BCB to inform the ICC about the situation.BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed Shakib's continuation in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo. He stated, "He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back, and we replied to them saying this."Ahmed explained that since the FIR is in its initial stages and no guilt has been proven, Shakib will remain with the team. He added, "The Bangladesh team will go to India after the Pakistan series, and we want him in that series as well. He is our contracted player, and if necessary, we will provide him with legal assistance."Despite his legal situation, Shakib is set to meet his international and domestic commitments. He won't return to Bangladesh with the team after the Test series against Pakistan as he is scheduled to play a four-day match for Surrey in England. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from September 5 to 14 to participate in the County game against Somerset.A BCB official confirmed Shakib's participation to Cricbuzz, saying, "He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while, and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey, as it will help him adjust to red-ball cricket more than anything else." The match between Surrey and Somerset is scheduled from September 9 to 12.Following his stint in county cricket, Shakib is set to rejoin the national squad in India, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.As legal proceedings continue, the BCB's stance underscores a commitment to due process while remaining focused on upcoming international fixtures.