Former Bangladesh national cricket team opener Tamim Iqbal has expressed interest in taking an organizational role at Mohammedan Sporting Club. He made the remarks on March 18, 2026, while attending a prayer gathering organized for the recovery of BNP leader and permanent club member Mirza Abbas. Tamim said he had not yet thought deeply about working as a sports organizer but would gladly join if the club felt his involvement would benefit them.

Tamim also recalled his personal connection with Mirza Abbas, mentioning that Abbas attended his wedding and had long been associated with Mohammedan and the broader sports community. He said his presence at the prayer event was important to him and joined others in wishing Abbas a speedy recovery. The gathering reflected the close ties between the club’s sporting and social circles.

Tamim’s comments come shortly after he expressed interest in becoming president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, signaling his growing inclination toward sports administration.

Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has shared a message of interfaith harmony during the holy month of Ramadan. The former national team star joined his Muslim friends in fasting and shared a photo on social media showing him at an iftar table with Farveez Maharoof and others, waiting for the Maghrib call to prayer. The post, made on Tuesday evening, highlighted his long-standing tradition of fasting with friends since his playing days.

Jayasuriya’s gesture received widespread praise on social media, where many described it as a symbol of brotherhood, empathy, and mutual respect. The act was seen as a reflection of how the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond religious rituals to embrace shared humanity and compassion.

Currently involved in coaching, Jayasuriya is awaiting new professional opportunities after leaving his role with the Sri Lankan national team. Reports suggest he may join Bangladesh’s coaching panel, though no official confirmation has been made.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has turned to the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the National Sports Council (NSC) formed a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the board’s most recent election. The NSC directed the committee to submit its report within 15 working days. In a statement issued two nights earlier, the BCB described the investigation as concerning and warned that such action could lead to ICC suspension of Bangladesh’s membership.

The BCB maintained that its last election was conducted lawfully under its constitution but expressed unease over the NSC’s move. The board also indicated its willingness to discuss the matter with the NSC, though no timeline was provided. The issue has sparked debate within Bangladesh’s cricket community, particularly regarding the entry of Aminul Islam Bulbul, Faruk Ahmed, and Nazmul Abedin Fahim into the BCB following government nominations after the August 5 regime change.

Former BCB directors and current dissenting members argued that the board’s statement undermines the election’s legitimacy and reflects internal fear of scrutiny. They also questioned whether government involvement influenced the BCB’s composition, while others asserted that national law supersedes ICC regulations.

Iran has begun discussions with FIFA to hold its World Cup matches in Mexico rather than the United States. The confirmation came from Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, who said the decision followed concerns about the team’s safety on U.S. soil. He stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump himself admitted he could not guarantee the Iranian team’s security, prompting Iran to request that its matches be hosted in Mexico. FIFA has not yet issued any response to the proposal.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Windsor Paul John said Iran remains a participant in the tournament and that the AFC is monitoring the situation. However, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamall declared that the government had decided not to send the team to the United States under current conditions. Trump had earlier warned that Iran’s players could face life and safety risks if they traveled to the U.S.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Iran’s group-stage matches originally planned for Los Angeles and Seattle.

Iran has confirmed its plan to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup despite security warnings from the United States. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated that, as of now, Iran is expected to compete in the tournament. At a press conference at AFC headquarters, Secretary General Windsor Paul John said the organization is monitoring the situation but believes Iran will play, emphasizing that Iran is one of Asia’s strongest teams.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned on social media that Iran’s team should reconsider participation for safety reasons. In response, Iran’s national football team issued a statement on its official Instagram account asserting that participation in the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by any individual or country. The team highlighted its early qualification through consistent success.

The uncertainty stems from ongoing conflict in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, now entering its second week. The regional war has begun to affect global affairs and discussions surrounding preparations for the World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

Bangladesh’s Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP has extended heartfelt congratulations to the national cricket team for their thrilling One Day International (ODI) series victory against Pakistan. In a message to the media on Monday, he praised the team for securing a 2–1 series win after a tense final match held on March 15 at Mirpur Stadium in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman commended the players for their courage, skill, and teamwork, noting that the 11-run win in the decisive match was a source of great national pride. He said the team’s outstanding performance had brought joy and honor to the entire nation and would inspire the country’s youth.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh’s cricket team would continue their success in the future, bringing further glory and recognition to the country on the international stage.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for winning the One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan. Bangladesh clinched the three-match series 2–1 after defeating Pakistan by 11 runs in the third and final match held on Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.

In a statement following the victory, the Prime Minister praised the team’s courageous and united performance, describing the win as a testament to determination and teamwork. He said the thrilling 11-run victory in the final match demonstrated that success is possible even in challenging situations when there is strong resolve and collective effort.

The Prime Minister added that the national team’s performance is a matter of pride for the country and expressed hope that such consistent success will continue in the future. The series win has been viewed as a significant achievement for Bangladesh cricket.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for their thrilling victory against Pakistan. The team secured an 11-run win in the final match at Mirpur Stadium on Sunday, clinching the One Day International series 2–1. Following the match, the Prime Minister issued a statement praising the players for their performance and unity.

In his statement, Rahman said that the 11-run win and the 2–1 series result demonstrated that success is possible through dedicated and collective effort. He commended the young cricketers for making the nation proud with their remarkable performance and expressed hope that the team would continue this winning momentum in the future.

The statement reflected the government’s appreciation of the national team’s achievement and its encouragement for continued excellence in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in a thrilling final One Day International on March 15, 2026, securing a 2-1 series victory. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim led Bangladesh’s innings with his maiden ODI century, scoring 107 runs off 98 balls with six fours and seven sixes. Bangladesh posted a total of 290 for five in 50 overs, supported by Towhid Hridoy’s 48 not out. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 279 runs, falling short despite a fighting century from Salman Agha, who made 106 off 98 balls.

Pakistan’s chase began poorly at 17 for three but recovered through partnerships involving Salman Agha, Saad Masood, and Abdul Samad. The match reached a tense finish as Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late hitting brought Pakistan close, but Rishad Hossain’s final over sealed Bangladesh’s win. Taskin Ahmed took four wickets for Bangladesh.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim was named both Player of the Match and joint Player of the Series alongside Nahid Rana, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s ODI campaign.

Three members of Iran’s women’s football team who had stayed in Australia on humanitarian visas have decided to return to Iran. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced on Sunday that the players informed officials of their decision after being given multiple opportunities to discuss alternatives. Initially, seven team members had sought asylum, but only three now remain in Australia.

The Iranian team had traveled to Australia in February for the Women’s Asian Cup, arriving before the outbreak of war in the Middle East on February 28. Out of the 26-member squad, six players and one support staff member initially stayed behind on humanitarian grounds. On March 9, the rest of the team departed Sydney for Kuala Lumpur, where they have been waiting. Two players and one support staff member are among those now returning.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency described the return as a “shameful failure of the American-Australian project” and “another defeat for Trump,” reflecting Tehran’s political framing of the event.

Iran’s national football team has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The team stated that no individual or country has the authority to exclude Iran from the tournament and instead called for the host nation, the United States, to be disqualified if it fails to ensure the safety of participating teams.

The reaction came after Trump warned that Iranian players should reconsider traveling to the United States to compete, citing security concerns amid ongoing military tensions. For nearly two weeks, Iran has been under attack from U.S. and Israeli forces, and the situation remains volatile. Iranian players emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by political leaders, and that their qualification was earned through performance and merit.

According to the schedule, Iran is set to play its group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the ongoing conflict has cast uncertainty over the team’s participation in the tournament.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is considering banning US President Donald Trump and senior American officials from attending major global sporting events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move follows the United States’ failure to pay its membership dues to WADA, totaling 7.3 million US dollars for 2023 and 2024. The agency has not yet made a final decision but plans to revisit the issue at its next executive committee meeting.

The US government has withheld payment in protest, accusing WADA of covering up doping scandals involving Russian athletes and 23 Chinese swimmers. Under WADA rules, countries with unpaid dues lose their committee representation, and the US seat has been vacant since January 2025. WADA previously proposed a rule change in 2024 to impose sanctions but did not finalize it. With the US no longer on the executive committee, passing the amendment has become easier.

WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald said the policy change does not target any specific country, while US official Sara Carta stated that the United States will not bow to WADA’s threats.

The government has announced a new initiative to resolve the shortage of playgrounds across the country. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said that each ward will have a dedicated futsal field to ensure easy access to sports for all. He made the announcement during the first meeting of the central committee formed to identify, develop, and implement playground projects nationwide.

Highlighting the acute shortage of playgrounds in Dhaka, Aminul Haque stated that special strategies would be adopted to locate suitable spaces. Where space is limited, one playground will be built between two wards, and if necessary, a larger field will be created for three wards combined. The government also plans to promote futsal by constructing one dedicated futsal ground in every ward.

The minister added that open spaces under the city corporations, the Public Works Department, and various schools in Dhaka will be identified and made accessible for children’s use.

Several human rights organizations have written to FIFA expressing concern over safety and freedom issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The letter, sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, highlights worries about the impact of U.S. immigration and visa policies on fans, journalists, and migrant workers traveling to the tournament. The Sport and Rights Alliance stated that ensuring the safety of all foreign participants and visitors is essential for a global event of this scale.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada across 16 cities, marking the first time 48 teams will compete. However, discussions have already begun worldwide about the strict U.S. visa and travel regulations. The White House responded that the administration is focused on hosting a successful tournament, with spokesperson Davis Ingle noting President Donald Trump’s goal of ensuring one of the most secure World Cups in history.

Human rights groups warned that most host cities have yet to publish their human rights plans and urged early action to identify and mitigate potential risks before the tournament begins.

Speculation has emerged in European football ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that Barcelona has held discussions with Manchester City regarding Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. However, Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta stated in a Spanish television interview that the talks are not at a decisive stage. She added that any decision will depend on future circumstances and that a quick transfer is unlikely at this point.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United is planning to strengthen its midfield, reportedly considering Italy’s Sandro Tonali and Monaco’s young midfielder Lamine Camara. Manchester United is monitoring 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who could move if his current club faces relegation from the Premier League.

In addition, Newcastle is also tracking 19-year-old German winger Said El Malak from FC Cologne, while Juventus has shown interest in Barcelona’s veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract may expire this summer, leaving open the possibility of a move.