Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar and Urmi Akter made history by reaching the mixed doubles final of the Unex-Sunrise International Challenge but fell short of the gold medal. The pair lost to a Malaysian duo in straight sets, 27–21 and 21–14, after a competitive opening game. Despite the defeat, their silver medal marks Bangladesh’s best-ever finish in an international badminton event.

Due to the national day of mourning for Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, no formal ceremony was held, and players wore black badges. Bangladesh Badminton Federation President Habib Ullah Don awarded the pair a total of USD 1,000 and pledged enhanced training facilities, including foreign coaching support. Zumar expressed mixed feelings, calling the final appearance a proud yet bittersweet moment, while Urmi credited their three-month pre-tournament training for the achievement.

The tournament also saw victories for players from India, the United States, Vietnam, and Thailand across other categories. The Bangladeshi duo’s success is expected to boost national interest and investment in badminton ahead of the upcoming South Asian Games.

Australia are poised to secure the Ashes series in Adelaide after dominating England across four days of play. Pat Cummins’ side set England a daunting 435-run target following strong batting displays from Travis Head, who scored 170, and Alex Carey, who added 72. By stumps on the fourth day, England were 207 for six, still needing 228 runs with only four wickets in hand.

Cummins led from the front, dismissing Ben Duckett early and reaching 150 Test wickets as captain, joining an elite list topped by Pakistan’s Imran Khan. Nathan Lyon also played a crucial role, removing Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley in quick succession to tighten Australia’s grip. England’s top order faltered again, with only Crawley showing resistance through his 85-run knock.

If Australia complete victory on the final day, it will mark one of their fastest Ashes series wins on home soil since 2002–03. The result would also deepen England’s ongoing struggles under captain Ben Stokes, raising questions about their batting consistency and tactical approach.

India has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, leaving out ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with all-rounder Axar Patel named as vice-captain. Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan returns to the side after a strong domestic season, while finisher Rinku Singh earns a call-up. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2025.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that Gill’s omission was based on team balance and recent form. Gill has averaged only 24.25 across his last 15 T20 internationals, while Kishan topped the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 517 runs. Agarkar noted that having a wicketkeeper-opener strengthens the team’s flexibility. The squad also includes Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar as all-rounders, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack.

The selection signals India’s focus on form and versatility ahead of the World Cup, as the team seeks to end its decade-long wait for a T20 title.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has apologized to his teammates following controversial comments he made after being dropped from the squad earlier this month. The Egyptian star had publicly criticized the club and head coach Arne Slot after a 1–1 draw with Leeds United on December 6, expressing frustration over being blamed for the team’s poor start to the season and uncertainty about his future at Anfield.

Midfielder Curtis Jones confirmed Salah’s apology in an interview with Sky Sports, saying the 33-year-old spoke to the entire squad to express regret if his words had hurt anyone. Jones emphasized that the dressing room remains united and that Salah’s gesture reflected his character and leadership.

The incident comes amid Liverpool’s efforts to stabilize their Premier League campaign under new management. Salah’s apology is seen as a positive step toward maintaining team cohesion as the club seeks to recover form and address internal challenges in the second half of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvei Safonov suffered a broken hand during his heroic performance in the Intercontinental Cup final against Brazil’s Flamengo. Despite the injury, Safonov saved four penalties in the shootout, leading PSG to a 2–1 victory and securing the club’s first-ever global title. The match ended in a draw during regular time before the dramatic penalty decider.

PSG coach Luis Enrique confirmed on Friday that the injury likely occurred during the third penalty save, though Safonov continued playing without realizing the severity due to adrenaline. “It’s unbelievable — he stopped the last two shots with a fractured hand,” Enrique said, praising the goalkeeper’s commitment and mental strength. Medical staff will reassess Safonov’s condition in three to four weeks.

The injury casts uncertainty over PSG’s upcoming fixtures, with the club expected to rely on backup options in goal. Safonov’s resilience, however, has been widely lauded as a symbol of PSG’s determination during their historic triumph.

New Zealand’s top order dominated the second day of the Mount Maunganui Test against West Indies, with opener Devon Conway converting his overnight century into a commanding double hundred. Conway’s 227 off 367 balls, featuring 31 boundaries, anchored the innings as New Zealand declared at 575 for eight. Tom Latham added 137, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 72, ensuring the hosts built a formidable first-innings total.

West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen, with Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Justin Greaves each taking two wickets. In response, the Caribbean side made a strong start, reaching 110 without loss at stumps. Brandon King (55*) and John Campbell (45*) held firm, though their team still trails by 465 runs.

The match remains tilted heavily in New Zealand’s favor, with the visitors needing a massive effort to avoid a follow-on. The third day’s play will be crucial as West Indies aim to build partnerships and reduce the deficit on a batting-friendly Bay Oval pitch.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 14, 2026, as part of the official global trophy tour organized by Coca-Cola. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed the visit earlier, and Coca-Cola issued an official statement detailing the event. Football fans in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to view the iconic trophy up close and take photographs during its stay.

According to Coca-Cola Vice President Mikael Vinet, the tour aims to bring fans closer to the heart of the game and celebrate the passion and excitement that define football. The 150-day global tour will cover 30 FIFA member countries and showcase the trophy in 75 locations. FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighted that this year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which has visited 182 of FIFA’s 211 member nations since its inception.

In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola has also launched an interactive “Under the Cap” campaign, offering fans a chance to win tickets to see the trophy and take photos with it.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar–Moeazzem Hossain Ohidul and Masud Ahmed–Sadakat Robin advanced to the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 after impressive performances in the pre-quarterfinals. Zumar and Ohidul defeated India’s Devart Mann and Saurav Nain 21–19, 17–21, 21–14, while Masud and Robin staged a comeback to beat Malaysia’s Liu Wen Ji and Jia Li Tan 14–21, 21–14, 21–17. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.

Other Bangladeshi pairs faced early exits. Mostafizur Rahman Lipton–Rafiul Raid lost to Vietnam’s Bui Dan–Nguyen Duc, and Rahatun Naim–Mizanur Rahman fell to India’s Swastik Matharasan–Gokul. In women’s doubles, Dalia–Mathina and Reshma–Brishti were eliminated by British and Indian pairs respectively. Mixed doubles duo Sifat Ullah–Brishti Khatun also lost to an Indian team. Despite these setbacks, the home side’s doubles success offered hope for Bangladesh’s badminton prospects.

The tournament continues with quarterfinal action tomorrow, as local fans anticipate further breakthroughs from the advancing Bangladeshi pairs.

Australia strengthened their hold on the Ashes series after dominating the second day of the third Test in Adelaide. The hosts posted a total of 371 runs, led by Alex Carey’s century and solid contributions from Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc. England’s reply faltered badly, reaching only 213 for eight at stumps, still trailing by 158 runs with just two wickets in hand.

England’s batting woes continued as early wickets fell cheaply, leaving them struggling at 59 for three before lunch. Only Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered resistance, while captain Pat Cummins returned to form with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, who earlier scored a half-century, went wicketless but maintained pressure with the ball.

With Australia already leading the five-Test series 2–0, another victory in Adelaide would secure the Ashes. England’s hopes now rest on Stokes and Jofra Archer, who remain unbeaten, but the deficit and lack of batting depth make a comeback highly unlikely.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a standout performance in the ILT20, taking three wickets in a single over against MI Emirates just a day after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL auction. His spell, highlighted by dismissals of Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, and Mohammad Ghazanfar in the 18th over, limited the opposition to 137 runs.

Despite his efforts, Dubai Capitals fell short by seven runs, bowled out for 130. Mustafizur’s final figures stood at 3 for 35, bringing his tournament tally to nine wickets in five matches and placing him third on the ILT20 wicket-takers list. Teammate Waqar Salamkheil leads with 12 wickets.

The left-arm seamer’s performance reinforced his rising value ahead of the IPL season, where expectations are high for him to replicate his UAE form. Analysts note that his control in the death overs remains a key asset for both franchise and national teams.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not be allowed to play the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season despite being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore. Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim announced that Mustafizur will have to return home to participate in Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand during the IPL schedule.

Fahim explained that the decision was made to ensure Bangladesh fields its strongest squad in the crucial series, which could influence World Cup qualification. He stated that while Mustafizur has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL, it excludes the period overlapping with the New Zealand matches. Fahim emphasized that the board cannot risk losing points in the qualification race.

The BCB’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between national duties and lucrative franchise leagues. Mustafizur has yet to formally apply for his NOC, and his availability for the rest of the IPL will depend on scheduling and team requirements.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) captured their sixth title of 2025 after defeating Brazil’s Flamengo 2–1 in a tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. The match ended 1–1 in regulation, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving PSG the lead in the 38th minute and Jorginho equalizing from the penalty spot for Flamengo in the 62nd. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero, saving crucial penalties to secure victory for Luis Enrique’s side.

The French champions dominated possession with 60% control and maintained attacking pressure throughout the match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Safonov’s composure under pressure capped a remarkable year for PSG, who have already lifted the French Super Cup, Coupe de France, Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.

This latest triumph underscores PSG’s growing global dominance under Enrique. With six major trophies in a single calendar year, the club has set a new benchmark in European football and strengthened its position ahead of the 2026 season.

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 after a hard-fought 3–2 victory over third-division side Talavera, powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé. Manager Xabi Alonso rotated his squad heavily, resting key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remained unavailable. Despite the changes, Real managed to edge past their spirited opponents.

Talavera fought back impressively after falling behind, leveling the score at 2–2 through goals from Nahuel Arroyo Majora and Gonzalo Di Renzo. However, Mbappé’s decisive second goal sealed the win for Los Blancos, with an own goal from Talavera contributing to Real’s tally. The match highlighted Real Madrid’s depth but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities against lower-tier opposition.

The result ensures Real Madrid’s progression in the domestic cup, while Alonso’s rotation strategy will be closely watched as the team balances multiple competitions. Mbappé’s form continues to be a key factor as Real targets silverware across all fronts this season.

FIFA has announced a record-breaking $50 million prize for the champion of the 2026 World Cup, nearly doubling the reward compared to previous tournaments. The decision, approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, marks a significant increase from the $42 million awarded to the 2022 Qatar winner and $38 million in 2018 Russia.

The total prize pool for the 2026 tournament, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will reach $655 million—about 50% higher than in Qatar. The runner-up will receive $33 million, while the third and fourth-placed teams will earn $29 million and $27 million respectively. Each of the 48 participating nations will also receive $1.5 million for preparation expenses.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the expanded rewards as a financial milestone for global football, emphasizing that part of the revenue will be reinvested in football development worldwide. The move underscores FIFA’s effort to enhance competitiveness and financial sustainability across the sport.

Cricket fans are set for a busy viewing day on December 18, 2025, as multiple international tournaments air live across major sports networks. The highlight is the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, with the second day’s play starting at 5:30 a.m. on Star Sports. Simultaneously, New Zealand face West Indies in the second Test from 4:00 a.m. on Sony Sports. Later in the day, the Big Bash League features Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes, followed by ILT20 action between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants.

Football enthusiasts will also have late-night action as Napoli take on AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, streamed via Bet365 and Fancode. The day’s lineup underscores the global reach of cricket and football, with broadcasters catering to diverse time zones and audiences. Sports analysts note that December’s packed calendar reflects the growing overlap of domestic and international leagues, offering fans continuous live coverage across continents.