Former Bangladesh national team opener Imrul Kayes has expressed strong frustration over the prolonged suspension of domestic cricket in the country. In a Facebook post on April 1, 2026, he voiced concern about the current state of cricket and urged authorities to take immediate and effective action to resume competitions.

Kayes stated that cricket administrators have become so preoccupied with power struggles that on-field cricket has come to a halt, severely affecting domestic players who depend on these leagues for their livelihood. He noted that many cricketers are struggling financially due to the league shutdown, yet there appears to be little concern or initiative from those responsible. He emphasized that focusing solely on the national team is not enough and that the overall cricket structure needs equal attention.

Concluding his message, Kayes appealed to all stakeholders to set aside personal conflicts and restore cricket activities promptly. He also called on the Sports Minister to ensure that cricket progresses free from political influence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Sylhet on April 30 for the first time since assuming office, where he will inaugurate the nationwide 'Notun Kuri Sports' program from the Sylhet District Stadium. The announcement was made by State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque during his inspection of the stadium on April 1. The event will be launched simultaneously across all districts, featuring seven sporting events including football and cricket.

During his visit, the state minister expressed optimism about making sports compulsory from grade four in the next academic year and introducing government sports scholarships. He emphasized the goal of building a healthy, drug-free society through a sports-friendly environment. Aminul Haque also criticized the previous government for alleged corruption that left the Sylhet District Stadium in poor condition.

The minister added that the government has already brought national athletes under a salary structure and provided sports allowances and honor cards. The district commissioner said the prime minister’s full itinerary will be announced later.

Iraq has secured a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after a 40-year absence, defeating Bolivia 2–1 in the intercontinental playoff final. The victory completed the list of 48 participating teams. Despite missing direct qualification from the Asian region, Iraq fought strongly in the playoff to achieve their goal. Coach Graham Arnold had earlier highlighted the players’ strong desire to reach the World Cup.

In the decisive match, Iraq took the lead in the 18th minute through Ali Almahadhi, but Bolivia equalized in the 38th minute via Moises Paniagua. Aymen Hussein restored Iraq’s lead in the 53rd minute, securing the win. This marks Iraq’s second World Cup appearance, the first being in 1986. Coach Graham Arnold also achieved a rare feat by leading a second nation, after Australia, to World Cup qualification.

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iraq, placed in Group I, will face France, Norway, and Senegal, starting their campaign against Norway on June 16 in Foxborough.

Bangladesh advanced to the final of the ongoing SAFF Under-20 Championship after defeating Nepal 1-0 in the first semifinal held on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives. The decisive goal came in the 11th minute when Manik scored with a header from a planned corner attack initiated by Murshed Ali. Despite creating several scoring chances, Bangladesh could not extend their lead, and one goal was disallowed for offside.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, had previously won the title in 2024 by beating Nepal 4-1 in the final. In this year’s tournament, they began with a 2-0 win over Pakistan and drew 1-1 with India, finishing as group runners-up before reaching the semifinals. The team’s performance has been further boosted by the inclusion of US-based brothers Declan and Ronan Sullivan, both making their debut for Bangladesh and impressing with their play.

Bangladesh will face either India or Bhutan in the final, scheduled for April 3 in Male.

Bangladesh and Nepal meet today in the first semifinal of the SAFF Under-20 Championship at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives. The match kicks off at 4:45 pm Bangladesh time. Bangladesh, the defending champions, are focused on defeating Nepal to secure a place in the final and retain their title.

Bangladesh won the tournament for the first time in 2024, defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final. This year, the two teams meet again, but in the semifinal stage. The team’s hopes are centered on US-based brothers Declan Sullivan and Ronan Sullivan, who are representing Bangladesh for the first time. Ronan has already scored twice in one match, while Declan, an 18-year-old defender, is expected to strengthen the defense after errors in the group stage against India.

Bangladesh reached the semifinal as group runners-up with four points, after beating Pakistan 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with India. The tournament final is scheduled for April 3.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Speaking to a Mexican television channel, Infantino dismissed speculation about moving Iran’s matches, stating that there is only one plan—Plan A—and that Iran will play. He emphasized that FIFA wants Iran to compete under the best possible conditions, representing both domestic and expatriate Iranians.

Infantino reiterated that FIFA cannot resolve political disputes but believes in football’s power to promote peace and unity among nations. He also noted that Iran earned its place in the tournament through sporting merit, while acknowledging the current political situation as “very complex.”

According to the schedule, Iran is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle, with its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. However, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team will not travel to the United States due to security concerns, citing statements from Donald Trump. Iran is currently preparing in Turkey ahead of the tournament.

Bangladesh lost 1–0 to hosts Singapore in their final Asian Cup qualifying match, but head coach Javier Cabrera described the performance as the team’s best of the campaign. Speaking after the match, the Spanish coach said it was very difficult to accept the result, insisting that Bangladesh deserved at least a draw. Cabrera expressed pride in his players for their effort and dominance throughout the game.

Cabrera noted that Bangladesh’s overall performance in the qualifiers was not poor, emphasizing that the team had improved compared to previous outings. Finishing the qualifiers with five points, Bangladesh showed progress in their style and professionalism, according to the coach. He highlighted that the players now understand better how to control the game and that the team must remain positive.

Cabrera’s contract with the Bangladesh Football Federation is set to expire on April 30. He said he was uncertain about his future with the national team and would leave that decision to time.

Brazil secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Croatia in their final warm-up match before the World Cup, held at Camping World Stadium in Florida. Carlo Ancelotti’s team dominated possession and attacking play from the start, taking the lead in first-half stoppage time through Danilo Santos after a counterattack initiated by Vinícius Júnior. Croatia equalized in the 84th minute with a goal from Lovro Majer, but Brazil quickly regained control as substitute Igor Thiago converted a penalty. In the closing moments, Endrick set up Gabriel Martinelli to seal the win.

The result boosted confidence for the five-time world champions ahead of the upcoming tournament. Brazil will submit a preliminary 55-man squad to FIFA on May 11 and play a farewell match against Panama at the Maracanã on May 31 before departing for the United States. Their World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on June 13 against Morocco.

Argentina delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over Zambia in their final World Cup preparation match held at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. The world champions dominated throughout, with goals from Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, an own goal by Zambia’s Dominic Chanda, and a late strike from young Valentín Barco. Coach Lionel Scaloni made several lineup changes after expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s earlier performance against Mauritania. Messi played the full match, while goalkeeper Juan Musso replaced Emiliano Martínez late in the game.

Argentina controlled 76 percent of possession and registered nine shots, five of which were on target, while Zambia managed only three attempts with one on target. The match showcased Argentina’s attacking rhythm and defensive stability, providing a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.

With this emphatic home win, Argentina concluded their pre-tournament schedule on a confident note, reinforcing their readiness for the upcoming global competition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 31, 2026. His visit created a festive atmosphere at the historic club, attended by several cabinet members, sports officials, and former athletes. During the visit, Fakhrul expressed his desire to see the return of the intense football rivalry between Mohammedan and Abahani that once captivated fans across the country.

Fakhrul described Mohammedan as an integral part of Bangladesh’s sports history, recalling the club’s contributions to football, cricket, and hockey. He said sports have entered a new era in the country, highlighting the government’s recent initiative to introduce monthly allowances for athletes. Fakhrul thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for launching the program, saying it would inspire both current and future players.

Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque also emphasized the importance of supporting all major clubs, including Abahani, to strengthen Bangladesh’s overall sporting landscape.

Bangladesh suffered a 1-0 defeat against Singapore in their final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match held in Singapore on March 31, 2026. Despite creating several attacking opportunities, Bangladesh failed to find an equalizer after conceding an early goal. Hariss Stewart scored in the 31st minute, giving Singapore the lead that ultimately secured their victory.

The match saw Bangladesh pushing hard for a comeback, with notable chances in the second half including a free kick by Shamit Som and a close attempt by Mirajul, but none found the net. Singapore’s defense remained firm, ensuring the hosts ended their qualifying campaign with a win.

After six matches, Bangladesh finished third in Group C with five points. Singapore topped the group with 14 points to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, followed by Hong Kong with eight points and India at the bottom with two. The defeat extended Bangladesh’s winless record against Singapore, as they have yet to secure a victory in their encounters.

Bangladesh has sought significant investment and technical assistance from China to modernize and develop its sports infrastructure. The request was made by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque during a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Secretariat on Tuesday. The minister emphasized Chinese investment in a proposed sports institute and the need for skilled Chinese coaches and advanced training in volleyball, archery, and shooting.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted that the government is promoting all sports equally alongside cricket and football. He mentioned the introduction of special sports allowances and a digital sports card program for athletes. He also formally invited China’s national men’s football team to play a friendly match in Bangladesh and encouraged Chinese participation in the country’s growing sports industry.

Ambassador Yao Wen praised Bangladesh’s digital sports initiatives and athlete allowance program, expressing strong interest in investing in youth training centers and the proposed sports institute. He assured that China would consider the friendly match proposal and emphasized continued cooperation through regular exchange of sports equipment and expertise.

Indian broadcaster GeoStar has terminated its agreement with Bangladeshi partner T-Sports, creating uncertainty over the Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcast in Bangladesh. According to Reuters sources, the decision was made after T-Sports failed to make scheduled payments. GeoStar formally notified T-Sports of the cancellation in a letter dated February 17, making the termination effective immediately.

Earlier in January, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had banned IPL broadcasts after the Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman following instructions from the Indian cricket board. The government is currently reviewing that ban. However, GeoStar’s cancellation means that even if the restriction is lifted, Bangladesh will still lack a valid broadcaster for the IPL.

GeoStar also canceled its agreement with T-Sports for the Women’s Premier League broadcast due to similar payment failures. The IPL, valued at about 18.5 billion dollars, remains one of the most popular cricket tournaments across South Asia, including Bangladesh, where the latest season began on March 28 and is ongoing.

Two Bangladeshi swimmers, Mostafizur Rahman and Homayed Ishaq Moon, made a strong mark in the Oceanman 2026 open-water swimming competition held in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Competing in the 10-kilometer category for ages 29 to 39, Mostafizur completed the swim in 4 hours 41 minutes 33 seconds, while Homayed finished in 5 hours 17 minutes 33 seconds. Their participation demonstrated both endurance and mental strength in challenging sea conditions.

Mostafizur Rahman is a well-known Bangladeshi athlete who previously conquered the Bangla Channel and successfully completed the Half Ironman in Spain. Homayed Ishaq Moon also has similar achievements, being both a Half Ironman finisher and a Bangla Channel swimmer. Their performances in Oceanman 2026 highlight Bangladesh’s growing presence in international open-water swimming.

The Oceanman series is recognized as one of the world’s major open-water swimming events. The participation and successful completion by these two Bangladeshi swimmers serve not only as personal milestones but also as an inspiring story for the nation’s sports community.

Amnesty International has warned that the upcoming FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces a serious risk of becoming a platform for repression. In a report titled “Human Must Win,” the London-based rights organization urged the host nations to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of fans, players, and local communities. The 48-team tournament is set to be the largest in World Cup history.

Amnesty said the current human rights situation in the United States contradicts FIFA’s promise of a safe and inclusive event. The report described the U.S. as facing a “human rights emergency,” citing mass deportations, arbitrary arrests, and the militarized operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Plans to include ICE in World Cup security have drawn criticism, especially after recent protests in Minneapolis turned deadly. Amnesty also noted that U.S. travel bans on several countries and safety concerns among LGBTQ+ supporters have deepened the unease.

FIFA has confirmed that the tournament will proceed as scheduled, though tensions in the Middle East have raised uncertainty over Iran’s participation.