Observation period over for Hathurusingha?
Chandika Hathurusingha’s reappointment as Bangladesh’s coach for a second stint could not have come at a more agreeable time.
2w ago
A masterstroke from the BCB boss
After having the media analyse and scrutinise the now-confirmed ‘strained relationship’ between Tamim and Shakib that had gone on to ‘stale the dressing room environment’, Hassan performed a stunning U-turn on his words on Monday, just a day after Tamim denied any ‘unhealthy environment for the past 15 years in the dressing room’ in a pre-series presser in Mirpur.
3w ago
A chance to make a statement
The recent success stories of the country’s women’s sides across different sports -- Bangladesh’s triumph in the SAFF Women’s Championship last year still very fresh in memory -- have not only resulted in a boost in viewership but also raised the bar of expectation from the girls representing the nation at any level in any sport.
The year Liton came through on the long-overdue promise
Ever since Liton Das made his international debut in a Test against India back in 2015, the common sentiment, especially from within the team management, has been that he is a player with a ton of potential to flourish.
Friendship takes backseat with greatness in sight
France’s Kylian Mbappe is set to meet his good friend Achraf Hakimi once again at this World Cup. But this rendezvous is definitely going to be very different than their first meet-up which was at the team hotel of Morocco in downtown Doha where the France forward paid his Paris Saint-Germain teammate a visit just about a week ago.
Desert Fest: A World Cup too cruel, too beautiful
When Cristiano Ronaldo walked down the tunnel in tears at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, it must have felt surreal for millions of his and Portugal fans around the globe.
Desert fest: Why the outrage?
This World Cup was promised to be the ‘best-ever’ by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and that sentiment was echoed by different quarters, with the chief reason behind the assumption being all the innovation that this edition of the showpiece event in Qatar was set to offer.
The last dance
For over 15 years, the footballing world has been split in two. It had become almost impossible to not compare the genius of two players christened by each’s fanbase as the greatest of all time, fondly abbreviated to ‘GOATS’: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
'Best-ever T20 World Cup' blown out of proportion
The Bangladesh team management is probably experiencing a very rare phase as of late. There is no doubting its claim that the Tigers have enjoyed their ‘best-ever T20 World Cup campaign’ in Australia this year.
A game written vintage Pakistan all over it
Unpredictable -- it is the one word that could historically define Pakistan when it comes to cricket.
A three-fold predicament
Bangladesh went to the UAE for the Asia Cup following a lot of chaos and drama and with a number of unresolved issues.
Tears to strength
“They won everything except the Cup! Beware world, Bangladesh is the new terror!” The great Brian Lara had thusly cautioned the world through Facebook after Bangladesh’s agonising two-run defeat against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup final.
Uniqueness the 'edge' for Bangladesh
Despite abysmal recent form, turmoil in the leadership and the fact that Bangladesh need to 'start taking baby steps in T20s' as skipper Shakib Al Hasan admitted, the Tigers are still one of the contenders going into the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE.
Does Shakib play for BCB or with BCB?
When it comes purely to cricket, the star all-rounder has dominated almost every side he has played against over the years. But off the field, Shakib's favourite opposition to have a go at is apparently the very organisation that signs his paycheck, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
An uncharted territory for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that is synonymous with goals, success, records and trophies. For a player that has had such magnitude of success during a footballing career spanning almost two decades largely due to sheer determination, it is difficult to find his ultimate goals out of focus.
Think positive: How long till Tigers’ 100 Test wins?
Bangladesh succumbing to their 100th Test defeat with a 10-wicket loss against West Indies on Monday was the piece of news that apparently garnered the most attention of the fans, mostly because it provided an opportunity to indulge in jibes over social media at the expense of Bangladesh cricket.
Will Shakib’s captaincy cure Bangladesh’s DRS malaise?
Technological advancement has aided all forms of sports worldwide. While the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) has seen the rate of errors made in matches drop down significantly and also provided a clarity to players and viewers alike, its effectiveness still depends highly on the refined decision-making from the cricketers out on the field.
Road to T20 World Cup starts in the Caribbean
The horrific memories of the 2021 T20 World Cup must still be fresh in the Bangladesh cricketers’ minds. In that edition, the Tigers’ tongues wagged more than their willows bashed.
Mosaddek’s inclusion a proof of BCB’s murky vision
Bangladesh lost yet another Test series at home. The 10-wicket mauling by a fairly inexperienced Sri Lankan side on the final day of the second Test in Mirpur yesterday meant that the Tigers have now lost all the five Test series played against Sri Lanka at home, including the 1-0 series defeat in the latest one.
Logic or magic: What will define the final showdown?
How will things turn out in Paris tonight? The culmination of arguably the most captivating Champions League season in recent memory is set to be staged at the Stade de France with two of the most decorated clubs in history -- Real Madrid and Liverpool -- fighting for the ultimate glory.
ODI format faces the ultimate challenge
If anything is constant in this modern era, it is the need for continuous adjustments to fit the ever-changing landscape of the sport. Of late, a discernible urge for change in the cricketing world could be sensed with the 50-over format of the game set to take the brunt of the transformation.
A surreal night of ‘football madness’
It can’t just be luck. But logic doesn’t explain it either. What had transpired at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night was something so improbable that it almost seems scripted.
Can City slay the dragon at its den?
The scoreline had read 4-3 in Manchester City’s favour with the away-goal factor no longer in play. And yet, as the players made their way to the dugout at the Etihad Stadium eight days back, the feeling was that Real Madrid have had the last laugh after a roller-coaster 90 minutes of one of the most enthralling first-leg Champions League knockout games in recent memory.
Onus on BCB to establish the clarity of its vision
A sort of contradictory scenario currently prevails in Bangladesh cricket. Interested cricketers, once considered as potential mainstays of a format, are being ignored from their preferred format while the ones who are reluctant to play are given the opposite treatment.
No more just mere bystanders
“If your dream isn’t big, you cannot progress. Our dream is big. We want to win away series as we win series at home. We want to win the
A golden chance to engender inspiration
When the Nigar Sultana-led Bangladesh women’s cricket team march onto the University Oval in Dunedin to play South Africa in the wee hours of Saturday, a brand new chapter in the country’s cricketing history will commence by marking the Tigresses’ first-ever appearance in the ODI World Cup.
Often mired in controversy, BPL still suffering an identity crisis
Dhaka Gladiators, Dhaka Dynamites or Minister Group Dhaka? Which team should fans pledge allegiance to?
Liton’s sparkle the only respite
Aimed at the chest and rising high, Neil Wagner’s brutal bouncer was intended to rattle Liton Das, who was yet to get going in his innings. But the right-hander was up for the task, doing brilliantly to drop his gloves and get his head away -- the textbook way of evading a bouncer.
Women carry light in a gloomy year
The overwhelming cheer that broke out at the Kamalapur stadium after Anai Mogini’s long-ranger beat India goalkeeper only reflected the sports-crazy nation’s year-long yearning for sporting excellence to boast about.
Non-existent top-order the only shocking thing!
Bangladesh failed to put up a decent fight against Pakistan in the two-Test series, which concluded yesterday with the hosts’ dramatic innings and eight-run defeat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Lack of vision reflected in opening struggles
“If you lose four wickets inside the first 10 overs in any format, it is very difficult to regain momentum. Even partnerships of 200 or 300 runs won’t help you get a big score,” was the realisation from Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque after an eight-wicket loss to Pakistan in the first Test in Chattogram.
Ebadot can afford to follow his own example
To the regular followers of Bangladesh cricket, Ebadot Hossain has made his name synonymous with the gesture of salute that he brings out after picking a wicket. That has been his trademark celebration since his inception.
Will Joy, Raja be left on the periphery?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) injected fresh blood into the squad for the Tigers’ first World Test Championship fixture against Pakistan in the form of batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy and pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja.
‘Winning Momentum’: A BCB Original
Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign offer only agony and pain to fans if they simply look at the outcome. But in reality the Tigers’ T20 quest offered much more than just wins and losses; it was an exciting drama-packed thriller doled out by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and its stakeholders.
Tigers’ batting brings back memories of early 2000s
From 22 for no loss to getting bundled out for a meagre 84 in 18.2 overs -- the entire scenario brought back memories of the regular batting woes of Bangladesh in the early 2000s. This happened in Abu Dhabi yesterday in a game that the Tigers lost to South Africa by six wickets, officially ending Bangladesh’s bid for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal quest with still a game remaining.
Can Tigers hurdle the mental block?
Bangladesh suffered a shock defeat against associate members Scotland which led to the Tigers qualifying from their first-round group of lightweights as runners-up and then saw Sri Lanka snatch victory from the
Tigers’ approach and attitude need a refining
Fingers are being pointed towards the two dropped catches by Liton Das and Mahmudullah Riyad’s captaincy as prime causes for Bangladesh’s five-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their first Super 12 clash in Sharjah on Sunday. Experts, fans, media and critics are spot on in pointing out these factors playing major roles in the defeat, but were those the only reasons? Was not the lack of killer-instinct responsible for the defeat as well?
The curve can only go up
Bangladesh went to Oman for the T20 World Cup in high spirits on the back of successive maiden T20I series wins over Australia and New Zealand.
Not an upset
The deafening roar of the Scottish players from an adjacent room disrupted the rhythm of the Bangladesh T20I skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, who was fielding questions with a glum face at the presser after Bangladesh’s six-run defeat against Scotland in the two sides’ T20 World Cup opener in Oman on Sunday.
A blip or a precursor?
Getting a winning tonic ahead of the T20 World Cup in Oman and the UAE was all that Bangladesh had apparently planned for and with three series wins on the trot -- away to Zimbabwe followed by wins at home over Australia and New Zealand
A more nuanced WC squad this time
Concerns remain regarding Bangladesh’s quality of preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup after winning recent encounters on spin-friendly series in Mirpur but despite these concerns,
Pacers undercooked for World T20 challenge?
“We know what conditions are waiting in Oman and the UAE,” Habibul Bashar, member of Bangladesh Cricket Board’ (BCB) selection committee, had said earlier before indicating that the board might be contemplating including an extra seamer in their 15-member squad, to be announced, for the upcoming T20 World Cup in October-November.
Can Kiwis unravel the Fizz mystery?
Standing on his toes for a second, he slightly leans forward with the ball in hand before running towards the popping crease just like a regular fast bowler.
Will Mushfiqur mend middle-order issues?
Bangladesh have now won two successive T20I series -- one away to Zimbabwe and then the historic first-ever bilateral series triumph at home against Australia.
Desperation to win setting Tigers up for failure?
What is more important: a false sense of achievement or a harsh realisation that will eventually make you stronger? As Bangladesh prepare to host a second-string New Zealand side for a five-match T20I series starting from September 1, that question is the most pertinent one for the team’s think-tank.
Can the next-gen hurdle an old challenge?
A second-string New Zealand side, composed of players who will not make the cut for the Kiwis’ squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, is set to visit Bangladesh for T20Is next month, with the Tigers in high spirits after successive series triumphs, including a first-ever bilateral series win over Australia.
A brief window to sate yearning for loved ones
“Bhai, do it quickly. Take the wicket so that we can go back home after such a long time away.” Those were the words the stump mic picked up wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan Sohan saying to Shakib Al Hasan in the 14th over of Bangladesh’s fifth and final T20I against Australia in Mirpur on Monday.
Australia scrape to first victory
Batting proved to be Bangladesh’s downfall as the Tigers lost the fourth T20I against Australia by three wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday, giving up their rare chance of completing a first-ever clean series sweep against the Aussies.
August 1, 2021
Tigers’ chance to change T20 narrative
Bangladesh are fresh from their impeccable display against Zimbabwe, who the Tigers beat in every format last month to complete a comprehensive series sweep away from home. Even after such a dominant showing across formats, you will find very few who can confidently say that the Tigers have ended their troubles in the game, at least form-wise.
July 28, 2021
No room for dysfunction against Australia
A series sweep across the formats in Harare against Zimbabwe is what was expected of Bangladesh and the Tigers certainly lived up to their billing. With the collection of all 30 ICC ODI Super League Points from the three ODIs, the series was more than just a morale booster for a group on the back of a string of losses, especially while playing away from home.
July 18, 2021
Can Tigers carry lessons to perfection?
From a potential batting collapse to winning the game by 155 runs, Bangladesh scripted an applaudable turnaround in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday. To get the desired outcome, there were a number of boxes that the Tigers had to tick but a few others were still unmarked. Here, we look at both:
July 13, 2021
More mockery of the system awaits
“Thank you Mahmudullah Riyad bhai for your service with the red ball,” wrote Bangladesh’s ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal, who missed out playing in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Harare due to a knee injury but was part of the Tigers’ Test squad, after Bangladesh had ensured their second-ever Test series triumph overseas on Sunday.
June 16, 2021
Cricket’s future trapped between ignorance and false promises
Alleged corruption in domestic cricket has been a long-running plague that is at the root of the rot in Bangladesh’s cricketing structure, with bias and favoritism a consistent feature of lower-tier cricket.
May 27, 2021
Who will take the baton from the Fab Four?
Bangladesh on Tuesday prevailed through a looming threat of cyclone and registered a thumping 103-run victory over Sri Lanka in Mirpur.
May 25, 2021
‘Growth of players and coaches are parallel’
The role of a coach, especially in developing any individual player, often remains in the shadow of all the uproar created by the outcome of his impact. It is only when the tutee acknowledges the mentor’s hard work that his overall impact in the game is truly reflected.
May 20, 2021
Lack of clarity clouds Tigers’ execution
Players often stress the importance of “execution of plans” ahead of any series or game. While carrying out the chalked-out plan is vital, it is paramount to formulate the right set of plans beforehand. The latter is something that should be orchestrated by the team management with clarity in mind, and that is precisely where the Bangladesh team management has failed miserably in recent times.
April 28, 2021
Will not having a wrist spinner cost the Tigers?
There could be no argument that the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was a dull affair.
April 21, 2021
WTC strugglers battle for first win
The current situation and primary aim of both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remain almost indistinguishable as they embark on a two-Test series, the first of which starts today at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
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