Cricket

Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has revealed that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan's comments ignited the rift between himself and Tamim Iqbal. The revelation came in a documentary aired by Bongo, a leading OTT platform in Bangladesh.Shakib stated that Hasan's remarks created a lot of problems in their relationship and made it a focal point of discussion rather than the cricketing side. He emphasized that the rift was not as severe as portrayed and that their professional relationship remained intact."We were not talking a lot, but it's not right that we were not on talking terms," Shakib said. "We used to be together all the time, but that relationship was not there for quite some time."Shakib attributed the distance to their marriages and separate living arrangements. However, he stressed that they spoke whenever necessary on the field and that their interactions were sufficient for their roles in the team."There is nothing like making it good or bad," Shakib asserted. "We tried to contribute whether we were talking or not; there was no kind of problem inside the field or in the dressing room."Regarding a controversial interview ahead of last year's World Cup, where he accused Tamim of being irresponsible, Shakib clarified that he intended to clear the air before the tournament."I felt that before going to the World Cup, I should clear everything so that people know what actually happened and why this kind of situation is created," he said.Shakib's revelation sheds light on the dynamics between the two senior players and highlights the impact of external factors on team relationships.

Shakib Al Hasan's Sarcastic Response to Virender Sehwag's CriticismBangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has made headlines with his sarcastic response to former India opener Virender Sehwag's criticism of his batting performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.After Bangladesh's victory over the Netherlands, a video clip of Shakib's post-match press conference went viral. When asked about Sehwag's comments, Shakib interrupted the journalist and asked, "Who?" The clip, which ends abruptly, has sparked amusement and speculation.However, Shakib later completed his response, stating that players should focus on contributing to their team rather than responding to criticism. "A player doesn't play to answer (the critics). His job is to contribute to the team. If he is not able to do that, there will be a lot of talk. I think it's not such a bad thing," he said.Sehwag had criticized Shakib for his poor performance in Bangladesh's first two matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa. He had questioned Shakib's inclusion in the squad for his experience, saying that he had not shown it on the field.Shakib's response has been interpreted as a sarcastic dig at Sehwag, who is known for his outspoken and often controversial comments. It has also highlighted the growing rivalry between India and Bangladesh in cricket, with both teams vying for supremacy in the subcontinent.Despite Sehwag's criticism, Shakib has rediscovered his batting form in Bangladesh's recent matches. He scored an unbeaten 64 off 46 deliveries against the Netherlands, helping his team secure a 25-run victory.Bangladesh are now on the verge of qualifying for the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup, having won two of their three matches in Group D. Their remaining match is against South Africa on Sunday, which will determine their final standing in the group.

Legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has launched a scathing attack on Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan following Bangladesh's disappointing loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024.Chasing a modest target of 114, Bangladesh appeared in control before collapsing dramatically, losing the match by 4 runs. Shakib, who has been a key figure for Bangladesh in recent years, managed just 3 runs off 4 balls before being dismissed by Anrich Nortje.Sehwag, known for his outspoken nature, believes that Shakib should have retired from T20 cricket long ago. He criticized Shakib's recent performances in the shortest format, calling his numbers "shameful.""During the last World Cup, I thought he should no longer be picked for the T20 format. Time for retirement came a long time ago. You are such a senior player, you were the captain of this team. You should actually be ashamed of your recent numbers. You should come forward and announce yourself that enough is enough, I'm retiring from this format," Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.Sehwag also questioned Shakib's batting approach, suggesting that he should adapt his style to suit his strengths."If you are picked in the World Cup squad for your experience, then show that it was actually worth it. You need to spend some time at the crease at least. You are not Adam Gilchrist or Mathew Hayden. Hooks and pulls are not your strengths. You are a Bangladeshi player. You play according to your strength."Bangladesh currently have 2 points from 2 matches after their loss to South Africa. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed disappointment with the result but praised the team's effort."We were bit nervous but we were confident we could get over the line but unfortunately it did not happen. (Tanzim Hasan) He worked really hard last couple of days, we wanted wickets with the new ball and he showed character today. This is the match we should have won, last couple of overs they bowled really well. It can happen in cricket."

Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan, two cricketing legends, are set to make history by becoming the only players to have participated in every edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. Their remarkable journey in the tournament is a testament to their enduring talent and resilience.Rohit Sharma, the elegant batsman and strategic captain, has been a cornerstone of India's T20 World Cup campaigns. In 39 matches across eight editions, he has amassed 963 runs at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, with nine half-centuries to his name. His leadership qualities and experience will be invaluable for India in the upcoming tournament.Shakib Al Hasan, the all-rounder extraordinaire, has been equally influential for Bangladesh. He has scored 742 runs in 36 matches at an average of 23.93 and a strike rate of 122.44, including three half-centuries. With 47 wickets, he is also the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. His versatility and match-winning abilities make him a crucial asset for Bangladesh.Both players are making significant comebacks for this edition of the T20 World Cup. Rohit Sharma returns to the Indian T20I squad after a two-year hiatus, while Shakib Al Hasan has successfully recovered from an eye injury. Their presence will provide stability and guidance to their respective teams.India are in Group A for the 2024 T20 World Cup, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Canada, and Ireland. Bangladesh are in Group D, facing South Africa, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Nepal. Both teams will rely heavily on their seasoned veterans, Rohit and Shakib, to navigate the group stages and advance to the knockout rounds.As they prepare for another campaign, Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan will look to add another chapter to their storied careers. Their performances will be crucial for their teams and will undoubtedly captivate fans around the world.

T20 World Cup Trivia: A Journey Through the Tournament's HistoryThe T20 World Cup, a global extravaganza of cricket, has captivated fans worldwide since its inception in 2007. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed thrilling matches, unforgettable performances, and the rise of cricketing legends. Here's a comprehensive look at some intriguing trivia from the tournament's rich history:Unique Players:Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan stand out as the only players to have participated in all eight editions of the T20 World Cup. Remarkably, they will continue their streak in the upcoming ninth edition, representing their respective teams, India and Bangladesh.Captaincy Triumphs:Daren Sammy, the former West Indies captain, holds the distinction of being the only player to have led his team to victory in two editions of the T20 World Cup. He guided the Caribbean side to triumphs in 2012 and 2016.Wicket-Keeper Captains:MS Dhoni and Jos Buttler have etched their names in history as the only wicket-keeper captains to lift the T20 World Cup trophy. Dhoni led India to victory in 2007, while Buttler captained England to the title in 2022.Tied Matches:The 2012 edition of the T20 World Cup witnessed two thrilling tied matches, both involving New Zealand. The Black Caps lost both matches in the subsequent one-over eliminators, a testament to the tournament's unpredictable nature.Semi-Final Dominance:Pakistan has established itself as the most consistent team in the T20 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals six times, more than any other nation. Their ability to perform under pressure has made them a formidable force in the tournament.International Representation:Dirk Nannes, Roelof van der Merwe, David Wiese, and Mark Chapman share a unique distinction in T20 World Cup history. They have represented two different countries in the tournament: Nannes for Netherlands and Australia, van der Merwe for South Africa and Netherlands, Wiese for South Africa and New Zealand, and Chapman for Hong Kong and New Zealand.Non-Test Nation Bowler:Ahsan Malik, a Pakistani bowler, made history in the 2014 T20 World Cup by becoming the first player from a non-Test playing nation to claim a five-wicket haul in an inning. His impressive performance highlighted the tournament's ability to showcase talent from all corners of the cricketing world.Umpiring Milestone:Aleem Dar, a renowned Pakistani umpire, holds the record for officiating in the most T20 World Cup matches. With 45 appearances to his name, Dar has witnessed countless moments of cricketing brilliance and controversy.

Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi all-rounder, has joined the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). This marks a significant move for both Shakib and the LAKR franchise, which is owned by the Knight Riders Group, the same group that owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Shakib has a long-standing association with the Knight Riders family, having played for KKR in multiple seasons, including their championship-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014. His addition to the LAKR squad is expected to bolster their lineup and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming MLC season.The LAKR franchise, which finished last in the inaugural season of the MLC in 2023, has retained several key players from that squad, including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Roy, and Spencer Johnson. They have also drafted in local players Derone Davis, Matthew Tromp, Cirne Dry, and Adithya Ganesh to strengthen their roster.The MLC player draft was held on March 21, 2023, and an additional draft will be held on June 16 for the six teams to complete their squads. The second edition of the tournament will commence on July 5 with a fixture between MI New York and Seattle Orcas, the winners and runners-up of the inaugural edition, respectively. The final is scheduled for July 29.Shakib's signing by LAKR is a testament to his exceptional talent and global recognition. His all-round abilities, including his aggressive batting and skillful bowling, make him a valuable asset to any team. The LAKR franchise will be hoping that Shakib can replicate his success with KKR and help them achieve their goals in the upcoming MLC season.

Ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released updated rankings for T20I all-rounders, batters, and bowlers.T20I All-Rounders:Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan share the top spot in the T20I all-rounders rankings. Hasaranga's impressive performances have propelled him to the summit, while Shakib's consistent all-round contributions have kept him in contention. Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi remains in third place, followed by Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza and South Africa's Aiden Markram.T20I Batters:Ireland's Andrew Balbirnie has made significant strides in the T20I batters rankings, jumping six places to 53rd. His teammate Harry Tector has also improved, moving up 12 spots to 69th. Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has climbed four places to 57th, while Suryakumar Yadav of India continues to dominate the rankings with 861 points.T20I Bowlers:Bangladesh pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman have made notable gains in the T20I bowlers rankings. Ahmed has moved up three places to 23rd, while Rahman has jumped five spots to 25th. India's Axar Patel is the only Indian bowler in the top five, holding fourth place with 660 points.Other Notable Movements:* Pakistan's Imad Wasim has improved his rankings in both the T20I bowlers and all-rounders lists.* England's Philip Salt remains in second place in the T20I batting rankings.* Only 23 rating points separate the top five players in the T20I all-rounders rankings, indicating a highly competitive field.

Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, opted to field first in the fourth T20I against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The visitors made two changes to their lineup, bringing in left-arm quick Richard Ngarava and batter Ryan Burl in place of wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie and middle-order batter Craig Ervine.Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, also expressed his preference for bowling first. The hosts welcomed back Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, and Mustafizur Rahman to their squad, replacing Mahmudullah, Litton Das, and Mohammad Saifuddin.Shakib's return marked his first T20I appearance since July 2023, having been sidelined by an eye condition and a finger injury. Mustafizur, on the other hand, rejoined the team after a brief rest following his stint with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.This match marked the first T20I to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium since March 2023. Bangladesh had played their previous 11 T20Is in Sylhet or Chattogram.Bangladesh currently holds a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series, having won the first three matches by eight wickets, six wickets, and nine runs, respectively.

Shakib Al Hasan, the talismanic all-rounder, makes a much-anticipated return to Bangladesh's T20I squad after an absence of nearly a year. The 36-year-old has been named in the team for the final two matches of the series against Zimbabwe in Dhaka, scheduled for May 11 and 12.Shakib's inclusion is a major boost for Bangladesh, who have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. The veteran all-rounder, who last played a T20I in July 2023, will provide much-needed experience and leadership to the side.Also returning to the squad are Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahman. Sarkar, a hard-hitting opener, has been out with a knee injury since March, while Rahman, a pace bowler, has been rested after a busy IPL campaign with Chennai Super Kings.The trio of Shakib, Sarkar, and Rahman replace Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, and Shoriful Islam. Emon and Afif missed all three games of the series, while Shoriful played the first two matches.Shakib's return is particularly significant as he was Bangladesh's captain when he last played T20Is. He was instrumental in building the team towards this year's T20 World Cup, but injuries hampered his progress. Najmul Hossain Shanto has since taken over the captaincy in all formats.Mustafizur's return will also bolster Bangladesh's bowling attack. The left-arm pacer has been in impressive form in the IPL, taking 10 wickets in 11 matches.Soumya's inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup. The left-handed opener is known for his aggressive style of play and will be looking to make a strong impact on his return from injury.The final two T20Is against Zimbabwe will provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup. The squad for the tournament is expected to be announced on May 13, the day after the last T20I in Dhaka.