The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is making strong efforts to bring former national captain Shakib Al Hasan back into the Bangladesh team. March is the most likely time for his return.

BCB officials said the plan is not to arrange a farewell series for the star all-rounder at this moment. Instead, the board wants Shakib to make a proper comeback and continue playing for the national team, not just for one series.

BCB director Asif Akbar confirmed that talks are already happening at a high level. Speaking to a Bangladeshi media outlet, Prothom Alo, he said, “Our board president is in contact with the government authorities about this issue. We hope Shakib can return to the national team during the home series against Pakistan in March.”

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Shakib Still Away From the National Team

Shakib Al Hasan has not returned to Bangladesh since August 5, 2024. He wanted to play the Mirpur Test against South Africa, but some issues stopped him from playing. After the tours of Pakistan and India, he has not played for the national team. Earlier plans about his retirement also did not work out.

Shakib Wants a Proper Farewell

In a recent interview with a Bangladeshi media, Shakib said he still wants to retire on a positive note.

“I still want to retire after playing a full series,” Shakib said. “That is why I am still playing cricket. If I can finish after a series, it will feel right to me.”

BCB Working on His Return

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to work on Shakib’s return in a board meeting on January 24. Board directors Amzad Hussain and Asif Akbar later confirmed that the government has been contacted to help bring him back.

However, the board wants Shakib to play for a longer time. 

“We want Shakib to play for Bangladesh again, starting with the Pakistan series,” Asif Akbar told in Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom alo. “First, we need to create the chance. After that, it will be his decision if he wants to continue.”

Bangladesh will host Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in March, before the Pakistan Super League later that month. Pakistan will also return in May for a two-match Test series.

Ishtiak Sadek has stepped down from his role as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He formally submitted his resignation to the board on January 24, ending his short term as a board member.

A well-known name in Bangladesh’s cricket and sports media circles, Ishtiak has been closely linked with domestic cricket administration for many years. He earlier served as a BCB councillor from Dhanmondi Sports Club. He was also involved in the ownership of BPL franchise Rangpur Riders, one of the league’s top teams.

Apart from cricket administration, Ishtiak Sadek is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of T Sports, Bangladesh’s first and only dedicated sports television channel. His work in both cricket management and sports broadcasting has made him a familiar figure in the country’s sports scene.

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Ishtiak Sadek Steps Away from BCB Role

According to sources, Ishtiak Sadek cited family reasons for stepping down from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). During his time as a director, he was given an important role as the Chairman of the BCB’s Game Development Committee. His work focused on grassroots development and long-term planning for Bangladesh cricket.

ICC Confirms Bangladesh’s Exit from T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that Bangladesh will not take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup. In a shocking and historic decision, the ICC confirmed through an official press release that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the tournament.

This rare move comes after a long deadlock between the BCB and the ICC over hosting World Cup matches in India.

Venue Dispute Triggers Major Fallout

The issue reportedly began on January 3, when the BCCI removed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL. Following this, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released him from their squad. This move caused strong anger within Bangladesh cricket circles.

On January 4, the BCB sent its first formal email to the ICC, clearly stating that it would not play World Cup matches in India due to security concerns. Bangladesh’s interim government Youth and Sports Adviser, Dr. Asif Nazrul, played a key role in this decision. He strongly supported the board’s stand and advised them not to travel to India.

Bangladesh umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat continued in his role as the third umpire for the third and final ODI between India and New Zealand in Indore on Sunday. This came despite ongoing tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns related to the T20 World Cup 2026.

For the third ODI at the Holkar Stadium, KN Ananthapadmanabhan and Richard Illingworth served as the on-field umpires. Sharfuddoula Saikat was the third umpire, Rohan Pandit was the fourth umpire, and Javagal Srinath acted as the match referee. The BCCI made no changes to the officials’ panel, even after the recent India–Bangladesh row during the U19 World Cup handshake controversy.

The presence of a Bangladeshi umpire in India surprised many fans, as the BCB had recently asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. However, the BCB cannot stop Saikat from officiating in India because he is an ICC-contracted umpire.

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Security Concerns and ICC Clarification

The tension between the two boards increased after Bangladesh asked the ICC to move its T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India, citing security concerns. However, the ICC confirmed that Sharfuddoula Saikat is an ICC-contracted umpire and does not need any clearance or a No Objection Certificate from the BCB to officiate in India. BCB Umpire Department Chairman Iftekhar Rahman also said that Saikat is automatically released for ICC duties and that the Bangladesh board cannot stop him from officiating.

Toss Update and Team Changes

At the toss in Indore, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first. He said chasing would be better at the high-scoring Holkar Stadium, even though India had earlier scored 385 and 399 when batting first at the venue. India made one change, bringing in Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna, while New Zealand fielded the same playing XI from the Rajkot ODI.

Tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently deteriorated due to the BCB's request that Bangladesh's matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup be moved from India. This dispute stems from the recent release of Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman from KKR's squad for IPL 2026. This incident caused widespread outrage in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur was signed by KKR for ₹9.20 crore, but due to increasing pressure about civil unrest and safety in Bangladesh, Mustafizur was released from KKR's squad. The BCB was furious over the BCCI's decision and decided to approach the ICC for safety-related reasons and to request that Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches be moved to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of its four group stages at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the BCB is requesting the ICC review the security measures in India because if a contracted Bangladeshi player cannot play in the IPL, then there may be security issues for the entire team when travelling to India to play in a global tournament.

BCCI Issues Strong Response to BCB

This week's announcement from the BCB, calling for an immediate transfer of the April 2026 matches from India to Bangladesh, has met with an equally strong response from the BCCI. According to BCCI sources who spoke to PTI, the BCB's proposal is unfeasible and 'disruptive to the sport.' The BCCI pointed out that moving matches on such short notice would create logistical difficulties surrounding travel, accommodation, scheduling, and other logistical arrangements.

"You cannot move games just because someone doesn't like them where they are," said one BCCI source. "This is a logistical nightmare. You have numerous games being played in multiple locations each day with broadcasters located across venues, and it would be very difficult to transfer games to another country."

As tensions rise, Bangladesh has now opted to withdraw from airing the IPL 2026 matches in Bangladesh. In an official statement, Bangladeshi Sports Ministry advisor Asif Nazrul confirmed that the BCB has been asked to formally present its request to the ICC and that if player safety cannot be guaranteed, then Bangladesh will request a change of venue. Currently, all of Bangladesh's matches remain scheduled to be played in India for now and are grouped together with England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal.

In a shocking turn of events, Faruque Ahmed has been removed as the president of BCB with immediate effect. The announcement of his termination was issued by the National Sports Council (NSC) after eight BCB directors voted in favour of his removal from the role of BCB president. Faruque's tenure as a BCB president lasted nine months and eight days. He was first appointed as the BCB president following the ouster of Nazmul Hasan at a time when Bangladesh was grappling with violent student protests nationwide. 

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BCB directors lodge a no-confidence letter against Faruque 

It is widely reported that as many as eight BCB directors stood against him to issue a no-confidence letter against Faruque. The letter was then formally submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, urging the authority to remove him from his position. This development came shortly after the government had informed BCB that they were no longer interested in retaining him for this position. 

The letter said the following:

"In light of the no-confidence letter sent by eight BCB directors against Faruque Ahmed, and the report presented by the fact-finding committee about the BPL, his nomination as the representative of the National Sports Council (sports ministry) has been cancelled."

Despite this unfortunate development, Faruque stands firm and has vowed not to back down under government pressure. He demands that the government offer a reasonable explanation for his removal. In an official correspondence dated May 29 and directed to the chief executive officer of the BCB, the NSC justified the use of Section 13.2(b)(4) of its legislation to initiate the termination of Faruque's role on the BCB board. The correspondence validated the rumors regarding Faruque's dismissal.

Consequences for Bangladesh Cricket Board

The government's intervention to sack Farque from his position can have dire consequences for Bangladesh cricket. As per regulatory norms stated in ICC's rulebook, full member nations as well as associate nations must be free from government interference. Furthermore, the ICC expects its members to manage their affairs autonomously and ensure that there is no government interference in the governance, regulation, or administration of cricket in their country.

A breach of this law may result in a swift suspension from the governing body. Government intervention in sports is not something new. Back in 2023, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) was temporarily suspended by the ICC when their then-sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, decided to dismiss the national cricketing board following the national team’s poor run in the 2023 World Cup.

Three Bangladeshi cricketers Liton Das, Nahid Rana, and Rishad Hossain have submitted their applications to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to feature in the coming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), which will be held from April 11 to May 18.

• Litton Das has been selected by Karachi Kings as a wicketkeeper-batter.
• Pacer Nahid Rana has been selected by Peshawar Zalmi.
• Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will play for Lahore Qalandars.

Their involvement in the PSL, though, might be complicated by Bangladesh's Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled from April 20 to May 2. The BCB is yet to decide if it will give the players clearance to play in the league, given that the Test series is crucial for the national team.

BCB's in-charge cricket operations, Shahriar Nafees, said that the board is positively inclined towards giving NOCs in general, but they will have to take the players' availability and national engagement into account. As Liton and Nahid are members of Bangladesh's Test team, they are a matter of concern from the availability angle during this time. Rishad, though, is not a member of the Test side and is thus more likely to get the approval.

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The BCB will make the official announcement soon after factoring in the availability of the players for international duty. The BCB will also take care while addressing Nahid Rana's workload, not wishing for him to work himself to exhaustion in the PSL while balancing his national duties.

The addition of the trio to the PSL is pending the final decision of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The fans will be keen to learn whether the players can showcase their talent in the Pakistan Super League this season.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to swap the One Day International (ODI) matches with Twenty20 International (T20I) games in the upcoming bilateral series between the two nations. This is done as part of preparations for both teams for the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The initial series, the tour of Pakistan by Bangladesh in May 2025, had three ODIs in it originally but has now been changed to a series of five T20I matches by the boards. This will provide both the teams with great experience in the T20 format as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.

The second series, the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in July 2025, was also to be made up of three ODIs. But it will now include three T20I matches instead. This is done to provide the teams with more emphasis on T20 cricket, as both are gearing up for the challenges in the upcoming big T20 tournaments.

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This shift from ODIs to T20Is is happening when T20 cricket is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world with the majority of the world's major cricket nations placing greater significance on this version due to its fast and short nature. It is being considered a major part of the run-up to the upcoming international tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

This change places particular importance on the increasing importance of T20I cricket within today's game and offers Bangladesh and Pakistan a chance to iron out their plans and improve their T20I side in preparation for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its central contract list for 2025, including 22 players. Most of them were part of Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai and Pakistan. Mahmudullah has told the BCB that he doesn’t want to continue with a national contract after February 2025, so he will be left out from March onward.  

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who recently retired from ODIs, will be moved to Grade B from March. Wicketkeeper Parvez Hossain Emon, who wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy squad, has also been left out. Under the new contract system, Grade A+ players will earn 10 lakh taka per month, while Grade A players will receive 8 lakh. Those in Grade B and C will get 6 and 4 lakh taka, respectively, and Grade D players will receive 2 lakh.  

Bangladesh Cricket Team Central Contracts 2025

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Bangladesh struggled in the Champions Trophy, losing all three of their matches. They fought hard but couldn’t overcome India and New Zealand, while their final game against Pakistan was washed out. Up next, Bangladesh will take on Zimbabwe in a two-Test series starting on April 20.

In a shocking turn of events, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Bangladesh player Shohaly Akhter from all forms of cricket after she was found violating five provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. It is learnt that the ban will be in place for a period of five years.  Shohaly is facing serious charges of match/spot-fixing and has reportedly admitted to her wrongdoing. 

During her active playing days, Shohaly was approached by bookies and had allegedly played her part in influencing the results of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 matches held in South Africa. Five provisions as set by the ICC were contravened which subsequently resulted in the suspension. They are as follows: 

Article 2.1.1: Fixing or contriving in any way or otherwise influencing improperly or being a party to any agreement or effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any International Match, including (without limitation) by deliberately underperforming therein.

Article 2.1.3: Seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept any bribe or other Reward to (a) fix or to contrive in any way or otherwise to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any International Match or (b) to ensure for Betting or other corrupt purposes the occurrence of a particular incident in an International Match.

Article 2.1.4: Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach any of the foregoing provisions of this Article 2.1.

Article 2.4.4: Failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.

Article 2.4.7: Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU in relation to possible Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code (by any Participant), including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.

After admitting to the charges,  Shohaly accepted a five-year sentence which makes her bars her from participating in any form of professional cricket effective immediately from February 10, 2025. In recent times, several cases of match-fixing allegations in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) are being independently reviewed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. And to further compound the problem, unpaid salaries of the overseas players have also dominated the headlines thus tarnishing the global reputation of Bangladesh cricket as a whole. 

Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has announced his international retirement for the second time. Tamim conveyed his decision to the Bangladesh selectors in Sylhet on Wednesday. The swashbuckling opener previously announced his retirement in July 2023 in an emotionally motivated press conference which also highlighted brewing tensions between him and Shakib just before the start of the ODI World Cup campaign. The decision was later reversed in a little under 24 hours following the intervention of Bangladesh's then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

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Tamim Iqbal confirms his international retirement on social media

With the Champions Trophy lurking around the corner, the selection committee, led by Gazi Ashraf Hossain advised him to return to Bangladesh's white-ball setup. Tamim wanted to call quits but after a couple of requests from Najmul Shanto and a few other players, Tamim took a little longer to make that decision.

But eventually, he remained resolute and stood firmly by his decision to retire. While announcing his decision to retire from international cricket, Tamim wrote on his Facebook account that he has long been away from international cricket and that distance will forever remain between him and cricket.

"I have been away from international cricket for a long time. That distance will remain. My chapter in international cricket is over. I have been thinking about this for a long time. Now that a big event like the Champions Trophy is coming up, I do not want to be the focus of anyone's attention, which could lead to the team losing their focus. Of course, I did not want this to happen before, too."

Furthermore, Tamim had also distanced himself from the central contracts for 2024 to keep himself out of Bangladesh's reckoning. However, there were conscious efforts from Shanto and other Bangladeshi players to make him return to the squad. But Tamim listened to his heart and chose not to give in to their requests. 

"Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart."

Bangladesh's upcoming Champions Trophy schedule

Bangladesh are placed in Group A along with India, New Zealand, and Pakistan. They are slated to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign by playing their opening game against India on February 20 in Dubai. Then they will face New Zealand at Rawalpindi on February 24 and later Pakistan at the same venue on February 27. The deadline for announcing the Champions Trophy squads is January 12, and the BCB is still trying to wait till the last minute to see if Tamim wants to play.