Samsul Arefin Khan

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just 33 days, but there is a strong possibility that Bangladeshi viewers may face a World Cup blackout, as no broadcaster in the country has secured telecast rights for the global showpiece event as of yesterday.

Amite Hasan’s maiden national team call-up for the first of two Tests against Pakistan next month marks the culmination of seven years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, with selectors placing their trust in one of the most reliable performers. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Amite spoke about maintaining a simple mindset, expressed deep gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, and shared his excitement about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with his idol, Mushfiqur Rahim, among other topics. The excerpts are as follows:

The 2002 FIFA World Cup is remembered as a tournament of shocks and surprises. Traditional powerhouses like France and Argentina crashed out in the group stage, while emerging sides such as South Korea and Turkey defied expectations to reach the semifinals.

The year 2002 was widely tipped as Argentina’s moment to end their 16-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title. Few teams entered the tournament in Korea and Japan with greater expectation.

Unless the domestic structure is prioritised and revitalised, Bangladesh may find themselves perpetually playing catch-up.

If this trajectory holds, Bangladesh may finally have found a dependable opener, and perhaps a long-awaited answer to a persistent problem.

There was a striking similarity between the starts of New Zealand and Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Mirpur on Friday, but the contrasting approaches that followed ultimately defined the outcome.

Bangladesh players had a combined 761 ODI appearances compared to New Zealand’s 368 before Friday's series opener.

Since returning from Melbourne in late March, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has remained active in board affairs even as growing internal instability has continues casting a shadow over his tenure.

For years, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman were Bangladesh’s only regulars in franchise-based T20 leagues around the world before leg-spinner Rishad Hossain joined their ranks with recent appearances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL).

One of the country’s most consistent domestic performers, the 39-year-old spoke about his shift to selection, his goals in the new role, and the need for greater transparency.

Bangladesh’s 11-run victory over Pakistan in the series-deciding third ODI on Sunday brought much-needed relief, helping them climb to ninth in the ODI rankings, but even in victory, the team’s conservative batting approach raised concerns.

The national team will feel the impact most, as the tournament could have offered valuable preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June–July.

For many years, women’s involvement in cricket in Bangladesh was largely confined to playing on the field. Recently, however, a new pathway has emerged as women step into officiating roles, proving that their contribution to the sport can extend further.

For the third successive time, India will face England in a T20 World Cup semifinal as the two heavyweights meet at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Since her appointment as a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director in November last year, renowned corporate figure Rubaba Dowla has been actively involved in several key areas of women’s cricket. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Rubaba shared her experience at the BCB so far, her vision for women’s cricket and various challenges.

With Pakistan scheduled to arrive on March 9 for a three-match ODI series, anticipation is mounting over whether Shakib could return during the tour.

Head coach Nasiruddin Faruque said several players are ready to challenge for national selection.

No sanctions and the promise of hosting an ICC event -- Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul on Monday was thrilled with the outcomes of his “unbelievably successful” trip to Lahore, but not everyone shared his enthusiasm.

James Neesham, during his recent stint with the Rajshahi Warriors in the Bangladesh Premier League, spoke to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan about New Zealand’s chances in the tournament, the team’s past World Cup heartbreaks, and the belief that still drives the side forward.