A wave of protest erupted among Bangladesh’s national cricketers after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam called former national captain Tamim Iqbal an “Indian agent” on social media. The comment came after Tamim suggested that decisions about Bangladesh’s participation in international cricket, including the T20 World Cup in India, should consider the country’s position and future in world cricket.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam expressed shock at the director’s words, calling them tasteless, unacceptable, and contrary to the nation’s cricket culture. He demanded a public apology and accountability for the official. Former captain Mominul Haque echoed the same demand, describing the remark as offensive and inconsistent with the board’s ethics and responsibilities. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed also criticized the statement, saying such comments were not in the best interest of Bangladesh cricket.

The controversy has intensified calls for the BCB to take swift and firm action against the director, with players urging greater professionalism and responsibility from board officials.

Bangladesh remains undecided about hosting the 15th SAFF Championship scheduled for later this year. Although Dhaka is being considered as a key venue by SAFF authorities, no final decision has been made. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the SAFF Executive Committee must approve the hosting plan. The tournament, postponed last year, is expected to take place between September and October during the international window. A BFF meeting to finalize the decision was postponed from January 14 due to the arrival of the 2026 World Cup trophy in Bangladesh.

BFF Vice-President and Marketing Committee Chairman Fahad Karim stated that the federation will hold the meeting after the trophy’s departure to decide whether Bangladesh will host the event. However, doubts have emerged over the feasibility of hosting the tournament in Bangladesh, as political issues could affect India’s participation. This uncertainty raises the possibility that the SAFF Championship venue may shift to another country.

If Bangladesh secures hosting rights, it would mark the nation’s first time organizing the regional football event since 2018.

The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has strongly protested a Facebook post by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam, who referred to former national captain Tamim Iqbal with a derogatory term. The post, made in response to a statement by Tamim, quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism from the cricket community. CWAB issued a statement expressing shock, anger, and disappointment over the remark, calling it unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricket fraternity.

In its statement, CWAB said that such comments from a responsible board official are deeply condemnable and raise questions about the code of conduct for BCB directors. The organization has already sent a formal protest letter to the BCB president, demanding that Nazmul Islam publicly apologize and be held accountable for his actions. CWAB urged the board to take appropriate measures as soon as possible.

The controversy has sparked debate within Bangladesh’s cricket circles about professionalism and accountability among board officials.

A commentary published on January 9, 2026, in the Bangladeshi outlet ‘Amar Desh’ criticizes India’s decision to remove Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The article argues that India’s move was unjust, politically motivated, and influenced by extremist pressure rather than cricketing reasons. It claims that both Bangladeshi authorities and some Indian politicians and players have condemned the decision as unfair.

The piece describes how Mustafizur was initially a highly sought-after player in the IPL auction, eventually signed by Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he was later dropped without credible explanation. The author alleges that religious and national identity, not performance, drove the exclusion, and that India’s cricket board bowed to extremist nationalist demands. The commentary also criticizes the targeting of team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for his Muslim identity while ignoring other owners.

According to the article, India’s handling of the issue exposes double standards in its cricket administration and damages its global image. It concludes that the episode reveals India’s surrender of cricketing integrity to political and religious extremism.

West Indies cricketer Jason Holder has come under fire after commenting on India and Pakistan’s tense cricket rivalry. Speaking on the popular podcast ‘Game With Grace,’ Holder criticized India’s decision not to accept the Asia Cup trophy despite winning the tournament. He said the rivalry had gone beyond cricket and called the move excessive, urging both nations to show unity and mutual respect as symbols of sportsmanship and peace.

Following his remarks, Indian social media users reacted sharply, with many calling for a boycott of Holder and even demanding his exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The backlash mirrors a recent incident in which Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was reportedly dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders following similar public pressure.

The controversy highlights how cricket continues to reflect broader political and emotional tensions between India and Pakistan, with players’ statements often sparking intense public reactions across both nations.

Bangladesh will not play its matches in India during the upcoming T20 World Cup, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said the team will participate in the tournament but only at a neutral venue outside India.

Hossain explained that India failed to ensure the security of Bangladeshi cricketers, raising doubts about the safety of an entire team or traveling fans. As a result, Bangladesh decided to play its matches at a neutral location. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to send the team to India following the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Alongside the decision to avoid India, the BCB also requested that the World Cup venue be shifted to Sri Lanka, according to the adviser’s briefing.

The 40th National Table Tennis Championship, organized by the Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation, will begin on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka. The tournament will continue until January 16, bringing together players from across the country for one of Bangladesh’s major national sporting events.

Ahead of the competition, a press conference was held on Thursday, January 8, at the same venue to brief the media about the overall arrangements and preparations. According to the organizers, around five hundred table tennis players from 50 districts, various public universities, and different organizations will participate in the national-level event.

The championship aims to promote table tennis across Bangladesh and provide a platform for players from diverse regions and institutions to showcase their skills in a competitive setting.

Australia concluded the Ashes series with a dominant performance, defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The hosts chased down a 160-run target after bowling England out for 342 on the fifth day. Earlier, England had scored 384 in their first innings, while Australia took a strong lead with 542 runs. Travis Head’s first-innings century and steady partnerships guided Australia to a comfortable win, ending the series 4-1.

England’s second innings featured a resilient 154-run knock from Jacob Bethell, with Harry Brook and Ben Duckett contributing 42 runs each. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat. For Australia, openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald gave a brisk start, followed by useful contributions from Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green.

Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his 163-run innings off 166 balls, while Mitchell Starc earned the Player of the Series title after taking 46 wickets and scoring 202 runs across five matches.

Barcelona delivered a dominant performance in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. The Spanish champions scored four goals within just 16 minutes, with Raphinha netting twice and Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, and Runi Bardghji each adding one. Barcelona controlled 80 percent of possession, taking 14 shots with nine on target, while Bilbao managed nine shots, four of which were on target.

The match saw Ferran Torres open the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by goals from Lopez, Raphinha, and Bardghji before halftime. Raphinha added his second goal in the second half, sealing the emphatic victory. Despite several more chances, no further goals were scored.

With this win, Barcelona, who have already won nine consecutive La Liga matches, moved closer to their first trophy of the season. Their opponent in the Spanish Super Cup final will be decided on Thursday when Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in the second semifinal.

Bangladesh has decided not to send its national cricket team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing concerns over player safety and national dignity. The decision was confirmed by Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Youth, Sports, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, following a meeting at the Secretariat with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul, board directors, and ministry officials.

Nazrul stated that Bangladesh remains firm in its stance and will request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow the team to play in Sri Lanka instead. He emphasized that the country will not compromise on the safety of its players or its national honor. According to Nazrul, a letter from the ICC indicated serious security issues for Bangladeshi players in India, which the government views as both a safety and national insult issue.

The BCB plans to present its arguments to the ICC, asserting that the current environment in India is not conducive to safe play. Bangladesh hopes the ICC will consider its reasoning fairly and ensure the team’s participation in the global tournament.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to send another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) reaffirming its stance that Bangladesh will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul announced the decision after a meeting with Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul in Sylhet. Bulbul said the board remains firm on its position due to security concerns and expressed confidence that the ICC would understand Bangladesh’s reasoning.

Bulbul explained that the issue extends beyond player safety, as journalists, sponsors, and fans would also travel to cover and watch the matches. He stated that ensuring security for such a large group is beyond the board’s capacity, and therefore, government guidance was being sought. He added that unless the security situation improves, the BCB will continue to fight for its rights.

Dr. Asif Nazrul supported the BCB’s position, saying the current situation in India is not safe for Bangladeshi players and that the country’s dignity will not be compromised. He suggested Sri Lanka as an alternative host. The final decision on Bangladesh’s participation now depends on the ICC’s response to the forthcoming letter.

Pakistan started their tour of Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory in the first T20 match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The visitors chased down a target of 129 runs with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series under captain Salman Agha. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the chase with a composed 51-run innings.

Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka contributed 18 each. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed taking three wickets apiece. Mohammad Wasim and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets each, with Shadab later named player of the match.

The win gives Pakistan early momentum in the series, putting pressure on the hosts ahead of the remaining two T20 fixtures.

The Bangladesh Navy has requested the Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation to withdraw the temporary suspension of national shooter Kamrun Nahar Koli. The federation had suspended Koli citing a breach of its code of conduct. In its written response to the federation, the Navy argued that Koli’s suspension would negatively affect the country’s sports sector and urged that she be reinstated in training to maintain her national and international performance.

The Navy’s letter highlighted Koli’s achievements, including four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, as well as her record as the top scorer in the 10-meter air rifle event. It also noted that she is Bangladesh’s only World Cup finalist in shooting, the highest-scoring female shooter, and an Olympic scholarship recipient. Meanwhile, in her reply to the show-cause notice, Koli stated that accepting the code of conduct should not mean losing fundamental rights and that seeking justice or protesting wrongdoing does not constitute indiscipline. She denied all allegations against her.

The federation has not yet announced any decision regarding the Navy’s request or Koli’s reinstatement.

England ended the fourth day of the Sydney Test in a precarious position despite a century from Jacob Bethell. The visitors reached 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a slim lead of 113 runs. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142 alongside Matthew Potts at stumps. England’s batting collapse after a promising start left them vulnerable, with only two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Earlier, England’s bowlers had wrapped up Australia’s first innings for 567 runs after the hosts resumed on 518 for 7. Trailing by 183, England began their second innings strongly, reaching 219 for 3 before losing Harry Brook and Will Jacks in quick succession. The collapse continued as they lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Bethell’s partnerships with Ben Duckett and Brook had earlier steadied the innings, but no other batter could provide lasting support.

With Australia needing only a modest chase, the match appears tilted in their favor unless England’s tail can resist early on the fifth morning.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its decision not to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, citing concerns over player safety, national security, and the country’s dignity. The announcement was made by Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Youth and Sports and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, following a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam Bulbul, board directors, and officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Nazrul stated that Bangladesh remains steadfast in its position and hopes to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its reasoning. He emphasized that the country wishes to play the World Cup but prefers to do so in Sri Lanka, another host nation. Bangladesh has already informed the ICC about its request to change the venue after Mustafizur Rahman’s name was dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

The adviser expressed optimism that the ICC would consider Bangladesh’s arguments fairly and ensure the team’s participation in the tournament under safe and respectful conditions.