Mohammad Mithun, the new president of the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), said that former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal played a key role in bringing CWAB back to life. Mithun talked about how hard Tamim worked to bring together past and current players on one stage, restoring faith in the organisation after years of inactivity.

CWAB had been mostly inactive for a long time, with no elections and little activity. Tamim, Bangladesh’s star player, stepped up to help the association get back on track, giving players confidence and a sense of unity.

Tamim Iqbal Key in Bringing CWAB Back to Life

Speaking to the media, Mithun said, “Our biggest challenge was to restore players’ trust in CWAB. Many had lost faith, thinking the association no longer stood by them. Tamim Iqbal played the most important role in bringing both current and former players together.”

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Mithun added that Tamim put in a lot of time and effort for CWAB, even while busy with international cricket. His active participation encouraged former cricketers to join again, and younger players were inspired to get involved after seeing his dedication. “We owe him a special thanks. His work has been key in giving CWAB a fresh start. Both former and current players gained confidence to engage with CWAB because of him,” Mithun said.

Mithun Wins CWAB President Election, Other Posts Filled Smoothly

Out of 215 registered voters, 190 cast their ballots, either online or in person. Two votes were declared invalid. Mithun received 154 of the remaining votes, comfortably ahead of former cricketer and referee Salim Shahed, who got 34.

“I see CWAB and the BCB as one family,” Mithun told reporters. “The board is our guardian. If we have concerns, we should be able to raise them, and I hope the board will listen positively. My goal is to expand CWAB’s activities beyond Dhaka, so every cricketer feels this body belongs to them.”

Most other posts were filled without contest. Shahriar Hossain was confirmed as senior vice-president, and current wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan as vice-president. Executive members include Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rumana Ahmed, Khaled Mashud, and Imrul Kayes.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is dealing with a possible match-fixing incident. A Dhaka Premiere League (DPL) match between Shinepukur Cricket Club and Gulshan Cricket Club, held earlier this year, is under the scanner for various strange activities, and Minhazul Abedin Sabbir is at the center of the stage of the investigation process.

As per recent media reports, BCB's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has recommended a minimum five-year ban on the cricketer for his alleged involvement in the above-mentioned match-fixing. Reports further claim that Sabbir might be in touch with suspected bookmakers but did not inform the board, which is considered a serious breach of BCB's Anti-Corruption Code. In that game, Sabbir’s dismissal was strange.

The Shinepukur batter was stumped out while facing off-spinner Naeem Islam. Islam’s delivery was well wide of the length; the batter then backed out of making any shot. Wicketkeeper Alif Hasan collected the ball wide from the stumps, but at the first attempt he failed to dislodge the bails. He touched the stumps with the ball in the second attempt.

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A wakeup call for Bangladesh cricket

In the meantime, when the keeper failed to utilize the first attempt, Sabbir did not show any intention to save his wicket. The way he stumped out was not a very usual sight on the cricket field. The question arose: why did the batter not try to get back into the crease when he saw the keeper was struggling? 

As per reports, ACU recompenses to ban Minhazul Abedin Sabbir from all forms of cricket. Sabbir may have to serve a ban of at least five years, which can be extended up to 10 years or even more. Investigators also found regular communication between Sabbir and a foreign number linked to international betting syndicates. ACU has labelled the incident as a wake-up call for Bangladesh cricket.

Bangladesh is following all avenues it can in order to make an impact at the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka on September 30.

This will be only Bangladesh’s second appearance at a Women’s World Cup (after their debut at New Zealand in 2022, where they had a single win). In order to surpass their last success, the team has been preparing for this WC with mixed training camps, practice matches, and match-scenario drills to better players’ skills and mindset.

At present, a number of players competing for the World Cup have played in the recent three-team Challenge Cup tournament in Savar before the entire squad relocates to Sylhet in early September. In Sylhet, the players will attend a nine-day training camp with a focus on three practice matches under day-night conditions that will be crucial as all seven group matches for Bangladesh in this year’s tournament will be day-night matches.

Chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon reiterated the necessity of replicating World Cup scenarios as accurately as possible. “The girls will have a six-day break following the Challenge Cup. After that, we are taking the team to Sylhet for a nine-day practice camp. We will have three practice matches under lights, and there will be match scenarios too,” Shipon told The Daily Star.

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Nigar Sultana Joty’s side blends experience and preparation as they look to surpass their 2022 debut

After Sylhet, the squad will then return to Dhaka and continue under lights again before departing for Colombo, where they will play warm-up matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka ahead of their October 2 World Cup opener against Pakistan.

Captain Nigar Sultana Joty will lead the campaign again after Bangladesh's phenomenal advancement of the game in women's cricket recently. The team hopes to build on previous performances as they have experienced players like Fargana Hoque, while aiming for consistency and resilience.

With camp organization, hard practice matches, and a plan of action, Bangladesh is giving itself every opportunity to rise on the world stage. Their journey from New Zealand 2022 to India and Sri Lanka 2025 is one of self-belief, preparation, and a burning desire to prove they are eligible to be counted among the elite.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is currently being played across its three usual venues — Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now thinking about expanding the tournament by adding another venue.

The update came from BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who spoke to the media during a warm-up match between the Bangladesh Tigers and the High Performance (HP) Unit in Chattogram.

Bangladesh’s only franchise-based T20 tournament has often faced criticism, with many asking for modernization and reform. In response, the BCB is again promising to improve the BPL. Under the leadership of governing council member Mahbub Anam, the board is taking planned steps to raise the BPL’s profile on the global stage.

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BCB Plans to Add a New Venue in the Next BPL Season

While a full home-and-away format in the BPL is not yet possible, BCB Director and Head of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, said that adding one more venue for the upcoming edition would be a big step forward.

“It might not be possible right away, since preparing a venue takes time. But yes, we're considering it. If we can move from three to four venues this year, it would be fantastic,” Fahim said.

He added, “Looking ahead, if more grounds are made ready and included, BPL can move to the next level.” The BCB had earlier shown interest in expanding the BPL beyond its regular cities so that more fans across the country can watch live matches and to improve regional cricket facilities. Barishal and Rajshahi stadiums are under consideration, while Bogura’s Shaheed Chandu Stadium is unlikely due to logistical and infrastructure problems. Fahim said the goal is to add one new venue every year so that eventually each BPL team will have its home ground.

Possible Asia Cup Impact and Event Management Changes

The warm-up match between the Bangladesh Tigers and the HP Unit led to questions about whether good performances there could affect selection for the Asia Cup 2025. Fahim explained that while there is no direct link, standout players could still catch the selectors’ eye.

“Not directly. There are players here who could make the Asia Cup squad if they get a chance. But that’s up to the selectors. One or two names might be considered, but the focus here is on prospects—players who may soon challenge those in the national team,” he said.

In another major move, the BCB is planning to hand over BPL event management to an external company. On July 10, they invited event management firms to submit their interest. Five companies responded, including four from abroad.

Among the interested companies, the most well-known is IMG, which managed the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2021. The IPG Group, which organises the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is also in the running. The other contenders are Apex Sports Consulting, Real Impact and Absolute Legends Sports, and Mind Tree Limited and Transport Group. The BCB is expected to choose the final event organiser soon.

To train former international cricketers as match referees, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has started a special two-day training and workshop, which began on Saturday. Several former national team players were invited to join the program, but recently retired star Mahmudullah Riyad declined the invitation. Even after direct contact from BCB’s umpires department, Mahmudullah reportedly said that he is currently focusing on domestic cricket and has decided not to join the workshop at this time.

Mahmudullah Declines Match Referee Role for Now

BCB sources said that Mahmudullah wants to continue playing domestic cricket and is not ready to focus on being a match official. The veteran all-rounder retired from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy. He had already retired from Tests in 2021 and T20Is in 2024.

Even though Mahmudullah no longer plays international cricket, he is still active in domestic matches.

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Workshop for Former Cricketers

Apart from Mahmudullah, several well-known former players were invited to the workshop. These include Habibul Bashar Sumon (former national captain and selector), Abdur Razzak (current selector), Dhiman Ghosh, Fazle Mahmud, Naeem Islam, and Elias Sunny.

They are among 30 first-class cricketers taking part in the training. The goal is to help them become certified match referees. BCB has been working for some time to give retired players a chance to work in administrative and match official roles. This workshop is part of that plan.

Habibul Bashar is now working in the BCB Women’s Wing under the Game Development department. Abdur Razzak is still part of the men’s national selection panel.

BCB Keeps Door Open for Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah, who played 50 Tests, 239 ODIs, and 141 T20Is for Bangladesh, has led the team in all formats. While he skipped the current workshop, BCB sources say they still hope to involve him in future roles.

After just one match, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has again banned bringing food and drinks into the stadium for the second and third T20I matches between Bangladesh and Pakistan. These matches will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on July 22 and 24.

Spectators will not be allowed to carry any food or drinks into the stadium during these two games. In a public notice, the BCB said that the ban is due to "special security concerns."

“For the upcoming 2nd and 3rd T20I matches between Bangladesh and Pakistan, scheduled for July 22 and 24 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, carrying any kind of food or drink into the venue is strictly not allowed due to security reasons,” the notice said.

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Fans Praised BCB’s Food Rule in First Match

In the first T20I on Sunday, BCB allowed fans to bring food and water from outside. Many people were happy. They said food and drinks inside the stadium were too costly. Families felt more comfortable because they could bring their own snacks and water. Fans called it a good step.

Security concerns lead BCB to ban outside food at upcoming matches https://t.co/DEc1kOWiCA #Security #concerns #lead #BCB

— UNB - United News of Bangladesh (@unbnewsroom) July 22, 2025

BCB Brings Back the Ban After One Game

But after just one match, BCB stopped this rule again. They said it was for security reasons. Some fans also behaved badly, which caused problems.

"This decision caused a lot of chaos yesterday. The security forces asked us to bring the ban back," said BCB’s media head Iftekhar Rahman Mithu. Now fans are unhappy. Many wrote on social media that the board should not use “security reasons” every time. They want better rules that help fans, not full bans.

Fans have started sharing their concerns on social media, asking if "security reasons" are being used as an excuse for everything. They are also requesting the board to find fan-friendly solutions instead of putting blanket bans.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that fans will be allowed to bring food and drinks from outside into the stadium during the upcoming Bangladesh vs Pakistan T20I series. This is a big change from the earlier rules.

BCB confirmed this in a press release, changing the old rule that did not allow outside food in the stadium. According to the press release, fans can now carry food and drinks, but all items will be checked by security.

"Food and beverages from outside will be allowed, but security staff have the right to inspect them. Entry will be given only after proper checking," said the BCB statement.

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BCB to Enforce Security Rules Despite Relaxed Food Policy

While the food rules have been relaxed, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said that strict security rules will still be followed for all other items. Fans must bring their food before entering the stadium, as re-entry will not be allowed once they leave.

List of Banned Items at the Stadium

In the press release, the BCB shared a list of things that fans cannot bring into the stadium or stands:

1. Firearms
2. Laser pointers
3. Flares or fireworks
4. Matches, lighters, cigarettes
5. Video cameras or professional DSLR cameras
6. Flags with poles
7. Vuvuzelas, mirrors, knives
8. Canned items or bottles with caps/corks
9. Glass bottles or whistles
10. Any other item that security thinks may be dangerous

Strict Action for Unsafe Behaviour

The BCB also said that any item or behaviour that may be risky for players or fans can lead to a person being stopped from entering or removed from the stadium. Security staff will have full power to take this action.

পাকিস্তান সিরিজে দর্শকদের জন্য সুখবর, ঢুকতে পারবেন খাবার ও পানি নিয়ে, তবে... pic.twitter.com/fkbzhbfNSn

— Cricket97 (@cricket97bd) July 19, 2025

BAN vs PAK T20I Series Details

The exciting three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan will start on July 20 at 6:00 PM (Bangladesh time). All matches will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, located in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Bangladesh cricket’s difficult 2025 has taken another tense turn, with assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin hitting back at speculation surrounding his role and influence ahead of the third T20I against Sri Lanka. A year marked by on-field struggles and off-field drama has only worsened during their ongoing tour of Sri Lanka, where they’ve already lost both the Test and ODI series, with just one T20I remaining.

Their string of defeats, including series losses to UAE, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, has put the team under immense pressure. And now, tensions within the camp have become increasingly public. Salahuddin, who was appointed primarily as batting coach in November last year, found himself at the centre of controversy during a fiery pre-match press conference.

Responding to reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) may be seeking a new batting coach, Salahuddin spoke candidly. "My role in this team isn’t fixed permanently. If someone better comes along, it's good for the team," he said. “This team doesn’t belong to my father or grandfather.”

Bangladesh battles poor form and growing tensions ahead of the final match in Sri Lanka

While acknowledging his accountability for the team’s underwhelming batting performances over the past nine months, Salahuddin appeared most upset by suggestions that he’s exerting undue influence over team selection. With nearly three decades of experience and deep ties with several current players, he's faced accusations of favouritism, allegations he strongly denies.

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“After coaching for 27-28 years, suddenly I’m hearing there are many complaints. Let me see those in writing,” he said. “If changes are needed for the team’s benefit, I’ll be the first to step aside.”

The team’s internal issues have been simmering for weeks. Last month, Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto resigned from the role, claiming there were “too many captains” in the dressing room, a comment that revealed deeper leadership fractures. Currently, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz lead the T20I and ODI sides, respectively.

As Bangladesh prepares for the final match of their tour, the cricketing spotlight is firmly fixed not just on their performance, but on how and whether they can begin to heal their divided camp.

Not all seems to be going well for Bangladesh in the white-ball format, especially if we speak of their current run in the shortest format. Following a crushing series defeat against Pakistan, Bangladesh cricket has reached a new low. The Tigers have fallen behind and find themselves ranked 10th in the ICC Men's T20I Team rankings. The steep decline in their recent form in this format has attracted the ire of their fans and the cricketing community. 

See also: BCB president sacked, board risks ICC suspension

Their shocking series loss to the USA, an associate nation prior to the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup, sent shockwaves across the nation. If that blow wasn't enough, Bangladesh cricket reached another low point by losing a bilateral T20 series against the UAE this month despite being in a healthy position. Their series defeat against Pakistan has now acted as a final nail in the coffin. 

Following their 57-run defeat to Pakistan in the second T20I, Afghanistan has slipped below Afghanistan and finds itself marginally ahead of Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Scotland, all of whom have defeated Bangladesh at least once in this format.

Current ICC Men's T20I Rankings Points Table (Top 15)

It is safe to conclude that Bangladesh cricket has hit rock bottom. This is one of the lowest points of their cricketing history. The flashes of brilliance in the early 2000s instilled a renewed sense of optimism, and the world hoped to see Bangladesh become a force to reckon with. But decades have gone by, and Bangladesh cricket continues to grapple with issues, both internally and externally.  

In 2024, a student uprising led to the ouster of the country's long-standing president, Sheikh Hasina. In the wake of this unfortunate development, the national cricketing body underwent a phase of turmoil and uncertainty, which has had a direct impact on the team's recent performance. Very recently, BCB also dismissed Faruque Ahmed from the president position as a result of government interference, a move which could lead to the board's temporary suspension by the ICC.

In a bizarre turn of events, the second unofficial Test between Bangladesh and South Africa emerging saw a very ugly incident unfold. The ongoing Test is currently being staged at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Players were involved in a heated on-field clash, which turned out to be physical in nature. The incident came to light during the 107th over of the Bangladeshi innings when Ripon Mondal of Bangladesh reportedly clashed with Innocent Ntuli of South Africa. 

Ripon's defalting six in the first ball of the over did not really sit so well with Ntuli, and that six soon turned into a flashpoint. Enraged by that six, Ntluli barged at Ripon and tried to push him aside. At first, Ripon tried to push him away multiple times, but the South African player persisted with his actions. It soon came down to a point where Ntluli got hold of Ripon's helmet and yanked it, leading to a serious escalation between the two players that also involved physical contact.

See also: BAN vs PAK 1st T20I: Bangladesh’s Probable Playing XI

Although the situation was diffused by the match officials and the surrounding fielders, serious questions have been raised concerning the attitude and the on-field conduct of the players involved. Even though this match does not possess first-class status, the authorities have ensured that disciplinary action is imminent. 

Watch the entire incident:

Tshepo Ntuli did THIS to Ripon Mondol after losing his calm 😮👇🏻#BanEvSAE pic.twitter.com/vt5SAgvfbZ

— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) May 28, 2025

Salim Shahed, the appointed match referee for this second unofficial Test, has confirmed that possible measures against the erring players will be discussed, and an official report will be submitted to investigate the incident more broadly. Shahed is currently waiting for the umpire's report to trickle through. Once that is received, both the reports from the referee and the umpires will be presented to the cricket boards of Bangladesh and South Africa.