The New Zealand national cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on April 13 for an upcoming series. To ensure the smooth completion of the matches between Bangladesh and New Zealand, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced an integrated and comprehensive security plan. Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar made the announcement during a coordination meeting on security and traffic management held at the DMP headquarters on Thursday.

According to the acting commissioner, security will be ensured at all venues, practice grounds, accommodations, and travel routes for players, officials, and all related personnel. Both uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed, while SWAT, bomb disposal, dog squad, and crime scene teams will remain on standby. Representatives from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, specialized police units, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and various service organizations attended the meeting.

The meeting began with a presentation by Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah outlining the overall security plan, followed by open discussions where participants shared their views and suggestions.

The New Zealand national cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on April 13 for a series against the host nation. To ensure the smooth completion of the matches, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a coordinated and comprehensive security plan. Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar made the announcement during a coordination meeting on April 9 at the DMP headquarters, focusing on security and traffic management for the visiting team.

According to the DMP, security measures will cover all venues, practice grounds, accommodations, and travel routes. Both uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed, supported by standby SWAT, bomb disposal, dog squad, and crime scene teams. Representatives from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, specialized police units, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and various civic and emergency services attended the meeting to discuss and refine the security arrangements.

The DMP expressed optimism that with collective cooperation, the international tournament will proceed smoothly and safely.

Bangladesh confirmed its participation in the Asian Games hockey competition after a dramatic victory over Hong Kong in a tiebreaker. The match, held on April 9, 2026, ended 4-4 in regulation time before Bangladesh triumphed 3-2 in the shootout. Early goals from Rocky and Amirul gave Bangladesh a 2-0 lead, but Hong Kong fought back to narrow the gap before halftime. The second half saw intense exchanges, with Ashraful scoring from a penalty corner and the game eventually tied at 4-4.

In the tiebreaker, Bangladesh missed its first shot and came under pressure, but goalkeeper Biplob Kujur’s two crucial saves turned the tide. Successful strikes from Rokon, Joy, and Fazle Rabbi sealed the 3-2 win. The result allows Bangladesh to play in the fifth–sixth place decider of the qualifying tournament.

As six teams from the qualifiers advance to the main event, this victory ensures Bangladesh’s place in the upcoming Asian Games hockey competition.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, played at Parc des Princes on April 9, 2026. The French side controlled the match from start to finish, leaving Arne Slot’s team struggling to find rhythm. Desire Doue opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Ousmane Dembele’s initial effort was blocked. Despite several chances, PSG could not extend their lead before halftime as Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made key saves.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with PSG maintaining attacking pressure. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled the lead in the 65th minute from a precise pass by Joao Neves, dribbling past defenders and the goalkeeper to score a standout goal. PSG held 74 percent possession and took 18 shots, six on target, while Liverpool managed only three attempts without a single shot on goal. A penalty decision for PSG was overturned after VAR review.

This defeat marked Liverpool’s third consecutive loss across all competitions. They now face a tough challenge in the return leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on April 9, 2026. Barcelona, reduced to ten men after defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the 44th minute, struggled to recover as Diego Simeone’s side capitalized on their advantage. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring with a free-kick before Alexander Sørloth doubled the lead in the 70th minute.

Despite dominating possession and registering 18 shots, seven of which were on target, Barcelona failed to find the net due to poor finishing. Atletico, meanwhile, made the most of their limited chances to secure their first win at Camp Nou since 2006. The result gives the Madrid club a strong position heading into the return leg.

Barcelona now face a major challenge to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, where they must win by at least two goals to stay in contention for the semifinals.

The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, scheduled for September–October 2026, faces uncertainty as the host venue has yet to be finalized. Originally planned for 2025, the tournament was postponed by a year due to logistical complications, including venue issues. Sri Lanka was initially designated as the central host, with matches to be played on a home-and-away basis, but later withdrew from hosting responsibilities citing limitations. In a January meeting held in Thailand, Bangladesh was proposed as the new host, yet the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has not made an official announcement.

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel stated that despite the uncertainty, the federation aims to hold the tournament within the September–October window. Discussions with potential sponsors are ongoing, and an official declaration will follow once sponsorship is confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Women’s SAFF Championship will begin in India on May 25, featuring six teams. Defending champions Bangladesh, winners of the last two editions, will aim for a third consecutive title. Pakistan will not participate as the matches are being held in India.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed strong protest and condemnation over the dissolution of the elected committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the formation of an ad-hoc committee allegedly composed of party loyalists. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s central youth and sports affairs chief and assistant secretary general, voiced deep concern over the move.

Zubair stated that dissolving the elected BCB committee and forming an ad-hoc body with partisan members is a blatant interference in the internal affairs of a sports organization. He described the action as contrary to democratic practices, values, and the rule of law, emphasizing that such steps are unacceptable in a parliamentary democracy.

He further warned that this decision not only undermines good governance in the sports sector but also damages Bangladesh’s image internationally. Zubair called for the immediate cancellation of the ad-hoc committee, respect for the elected body, and the establishment of transparency and accountability in sports administration.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chants by fans during Spain’s international friendly against Egypt on March 31. The match, held at RCDE Stadium, ended in a goalless draw, but the behavior of some spectators drew widespread criticism. FIFA confirmed that it is reviewing video footage, referee and match observer reports, and security information to determine possible sanctions, which could include fines, matches behind closed doors, or temporary venue bans.

During the first half, anti-Muslim slogans were heard from the stands, prompting stadium authorities to issue warnings on the giant screen. Despite repeated messages, a section of fans continued chanting and whistling. The RFEF publicly condemned the incident, reaffirming its stance against racism and discrimination in football. Spanish police have also begun a separate investigation into the Islamophobic behavior.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente strongly denounced the conduct and called for action against those responsible. Spanish player Lamine Yamal also criticized the chants, calling the use of religion as mockery a sign of ignorance and racism.

Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 away victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on April 8, 2026. The match at Lisbon’s José Alvalade Stadium remained goalless through regular time before substitute Kai Havertz scored in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing the win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Sporting created more shooting opportunities, registering 11 attempts with five on target, while Arsenal managed seven shots, four of which were on goal. Despite Sporting’s early pressure, including a sixth-minute strike from Maximilian Araujo that hit the crossbar, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made several key saves to keep his team in contention. Sporting also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 63rd minute and missed another close chance in the 87th.

With this result, Arsenal take a narrow advantage into the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday, where both teams will battle for a place in the semifinals.

Bangladesh’s leading female weightlifter Mabia Akter Simanta is facing the risk of suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The International Testing Agency, which oversaw doping control at the 2023 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, confirmed the presence of a prohibited element in her sample. Mabia is now awaiting the result of her ‘B’ sample test, which will determine whether she will be officially banned.

According to Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, member secretary of the Bangladesh Olympic Association’s medical committee, Mabia’s first sample tested positive in a South Korean laboratory, and the second sample has been sent to Italy for further analysis. He noted that banned substances can sometimes enter the body through medication or contaminated supplements, and this possibility is being investigated in Mabia’s case.

Mabia stated that she took medicine prescribed by a doctor for knee swelling, unaware that it contained a banned component. She said she used a drug named Edimite 20 from Acme Company and had no official team doctor at the time. Her earlier doping test on October 30, 2023, showed no issues, allowing her to compete and set a national record later that year.

Brazilian club Santos is making an intensive effort to help Neymar Junior regain full fitness in time for the upcoming World Cup, which begins on June 11. Reports suggest Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has nearly finalized his squad, possibly without Neymar, but the player and his club remain determined. Ancelotti is expected to announce the official squad on May 18, with the final deadline set for May 30. Brazil’s training camp starts on May 25, leaving Neymar roughly 40 to 52 days to prove his readiness.

Santos plans to play Neymar in at least 13 of their next 14 matches across the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Sudamericana to help him regain match fitness. However, he will be rested for the Sudamericana opener against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador. Neymar recently underwent knee surgery and has been under medical supervision, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate recovery. Despite missing several training sessions, he continues double daily workouts to rebuild strength and conditioning.

Santos coach Cuca said the club’s priority is to have Neymar fully fit for the remaining matches, aiming to boost his chances of World Cup selection.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh announced the dissolution of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) management committee during a press conference on April 8, 2026. The decision followed an investigation into alleged irregularities in the BCB election. Former BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul left the venue without comment, while former vice president Faruk Ahmed spoke earlier, unaware of the upcoming dissolution. The NSC acted under Section 28 of its 2018 Act and informed the International Cricket Council of the move.

Alongside the dissolution, the NSC formed an 11-member ad hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal. Other members include Fahim Sinha, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Mirza Salman Ispahani, Tanzil Chowdhury, Atahar Ali Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Israfil Khusru, Saeed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mirza Yasir Abbas, and Barrister Rashna Imam. Several members have prior experience in cricket administration, while others are linked to political figures.

The NSC’s abrupt decision came two days after receiving the investigation report, signaling a major administrative shift in Bangladesh cricket.

Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has declared the newly formed ad-hoc committee illegal and urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene. His statement came shortly after the National Sports Council (NSC) announced the committee and dissolved the elected BCB board. Bulbul left the NSC office following its press conference and later issued a press release on Monday night outlining his position.

In the release, Bulbul presented five points supporting his claim that the ad-hoc committee violates the BCB constitution. He stated that the BCB election was conducted lawfully, leaving no scope for irregularities, and that the NSC has no authority to form an investigative or ad-hoc body after the election. He also alleged that the move was politically motivated by the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque. Bulbul described the dissolution as a dark chapter for Bangladesh cricket that damages the country’s international reputation and expressed concern for the sport’s future.

Bulbul further noted that a High Court rule on the matter remains pending and asserted that he will continue as BCB president until the court delivers a decision.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved following allegations of irregularities in its election. The National Sports Council (NSC) announced the formation of an 11-member ad hoc committee to oversee the board’s operations. Former national cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the head of this committee, which has been tasked with organizing new elections within three months.

The decision was revealed at a press conference held by the NSC on Tuesday afternoon. The ad hoc committee includes members Fahim Sinha, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Salman Ispahani, Tanzil Chowdhury, Atahar Ali Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Israfil Khasru, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mirza Yasir Abbas, and Rashna Imam. The previous BCB board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, was formed through a controversial election held on October 6.

According to the NSC, the dissolution was made under Section 28 of its 2018 Act after reviewing the investigation report on election irregularities. The ad hoc committee will manage the board until new elections are conducted.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh has dissolved the current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) management committee and formed an ad hoc committee under Section 21 of the National Sports Council Act. According to NSC Director (Sports) Aminul Ehsan, the ad hoc committee will organize BCB elections within the next three months. The NSC has already informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the dissolution and the formation of the new committee.

Ehsan stated that the decision followed a review of the NSC investigation committee’s report, which identified significant weaknesses and irregularities in the previous BCB election process. The newly formed ad hoc committee will have full authority to manage regular cricket operations during this interim period, similar to an elected committee.

It remains unclear whether members of the ad hoc committee will be eligible to contest in the upcoming BCB elections, though the BCB constitution does not restrict their participation.