Two major international squash tournaments have begun in Dhaka, featuring professional players from Bangladesh, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Malaysia. The competitions were officially inaugurated on Saturday at the Dhaka Cantonment Squash Complex by Major General Md. Hasan Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Engineering and President of the Bangladesh Squash Federation.

In the women’s satellite tour, top Bangladeshi female players including Marzan, Chandni, Nabila, Urdu, Meghna, Jui, Manika, and Pooja Rani are competing. Notably, Malaysian twin sisters and professional squash players Vinika and Vartika have also joined the tournament.

Bangladesh's national cricket team secured a dominant win in the first T20 match of the three-game series against Pakistan. Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan congratulated the team on their performance. Pakistan was bowled out for 110 in 19.3 overs, and Bangladesh chased down the target with 27 balls to spare. Mustafizur Rahman took 2 wickets for 6 runs, and Taskin Ahmed claimed 3 wickets, while opener Imon scored 56 runs and was named Player of the Match. The advisor expressed hope that the team would maintain this momentum in upcoming matches.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the first T20 match between Bangladesh and Pakistan held in Mirpur. Pakistan lost the toss and went in to bat, but Fakhrul left the stadium before the innings concluded.

On the same day, former national team captain Mushfiqur Rahim was also spotted at the stadium with his son. The high-profile match drew a large crowd, especially around the Eastern Gallery, Abu Saeed Stand, and Club House Gate.

To commemorate the historic July-August People's Uprising Day, the Ministry of Youth and Sports organized a symbolic marathon in Dhaka, starting from the old trade fair grounds in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Advisor to the ministry, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, participated in the event, which saw enthusiastic turnout across all age groups. The initiative aimed to educate the younger generation about the significance of the mass uprising through active engagement.

After postponing the T20 and ODI series with Bangladesh to September 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly pushing to relocate the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled in Dhaka on July 24. Citing concerns over the political climate and instability in Bangladesh, BCCI sources claimed the conditions were not ideal for travel. The ACC meeting is expected to finalize the schedule and venue for this year’s Asia Cup.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Ethnosport Confederation to enhance cooperation in promoting traditional games and cultural exchange. The agreement was signed on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, by Bangladesh advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Turkey’s representative Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan. The two sides agreed to work together on the global promotion of traditional Bangladeshi sports such as kabaddi, wrestling (bolikhela), and boat racing. Turkey also expressed interest in establishing schools in Bangladesh, offering scholarships, and organizing sports programs in Rohingya camps. Both parties highlighted the importance of cultural unity and condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the government, congratulated the Bangladesh Women’s Football Team for qualifying for the final round of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time. In a statement, he called the achievement a matter of national pride and a testament to the country’s potential, talent, and indomitable spirit. He expressed hope that this milestone will inspire future generations and elevate Bangladesh’s global reputation.

Advisor Asif Mahmud announced that synthetic cricket pitches would be installed in 100 schools across Bangladesh to make the sport more accessible and widespread at the grassroots level. In a Facebook post marking 25 years since Bangladesh gained Test status, BCB President Nazmul Hassan also unveiled plans to establish mini-BCB centers in four regions. Mahmud said decentralization is now the most urgent step for advancing cricket development and reducing reliance on scouting from a limited pipeline.

A young Indian cricketer tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Ahmedabad last Thursday. 23-year-old Dirdh Patel, who played for an English cricket club, Leeds Modernians, died in the accident.

A resident of Gujarat, Dirdh was pursuing studies in artificial intelligence in England while also playing as an overseas player for the Leeds club. The club expressed deep sorrow in an official statement, saying, “We are heartbroken by Dirdh’s untimely death. He shared many memorable moments with us, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Following Bangladesh’s 2-1 defeat against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, midfielder Hamza Choudhury expressed both disappointment and pride in a heartfelt message. “We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we can be proud as a team and as a nation,” Hamza wrote. “We have to stay positive because this is just the beginning. Insha’Allah, we will soon reach where we want to be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support. See you in October.” Head coach Javier Cabrera also echoed Hamza’s sentiment, praising the team’s fighting spirit despite the loss.

Despite high hopes for victory, Bangladesh succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Responding to the result, sports advisor Asif Mahmud stated, “Bangladesh played well.” He also noted that the match captivated millions of football fans across the country, adding, “Win or lose, this unwavering support will one day elevate Bangladesh to new heights in world football.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed deep anguish over the situation in Gaza while accepting an honorary degree from the University of Manchester.
“What’s happening in Gaza is heartbreaking. It hurts my entire body,” said Guardiola. “This is not about ideology or politics. When children aged four or five are killed by bombs, when hospitals cease to function—this is about humanity.”
He added, “Be careful. The next child could be ours. Since the nightmare in Gaza began, I’m scared every morning when I look at my children’s faces.”

The High Court has dropped from its docket a petition filed by former cricketer Farroque challenging the legality of appointing ex-captain Aminul Islam Bulbul as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The National Sports Council had annulled Farroque’s nomination on May 29 and appointed Aminul the following day. Farroque challenged both decisions, but the court removed the case from its active list today.

Aminul Islam Bulbul has officially assumed his role as President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after being elected through a direct vote by board directors on Friday.

Speaking to the media, Aminul said, “I received a call from the Youth and Sports Adviser in late April, offering me this opportunity. I felt honored and didn’t look back. Now, my sole focus is to move Bangladesh cricket forward.” Comparing his leadership style to a fast-paced format, he added, “Test cricket lasts five days, ODIs for seven hours—I want to play a quick T20 innings.”

A scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi was disrupted by a sudden drone attack near the stadium Thursday morning. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana was set to play for Peshawar. The PCB has now convened an emergency meeting and may relocate all remaining PSL matches to Karachi. Reports suggest similar drone attacks occurred across several Pakistani cities earlier in the day.