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.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has dismissed reports by Indian media suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued an ultimatum requiring Bangladesh to play the upcoming T20 World Cup matches in India. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the BCB stated that the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh’s full and uninterrupted participation in the tournament and expressed willingness to work closely with the board to address its concerns.

The BCB clarified that claims of receiving an ultimatum from the ICC were completely baseless and fabricated. It emphasized that the content of the ICC’s communication bore no resemblance to such reports. The board also reiterated that the ICC welcomed BCB’s input in the tournament’s detailed security planning and would give due consideration to its views.

According to the statement, the BCB remains firm in prioritizing the safety and security of the national team and players. It plans to continue constructive discussions with the ICC and relevant authorities to ensure a satisfactory and practical resolution for Bangladesh’s smooth participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reaffirmed its decision not to send the national team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing concerns over national dignity and player safety. The board stated that even if the International Cricket Council (ICC) guarantees maximum security, Bangladesh will not participate in matches held in India. BCB directors confirmed that they have sent two letters to the ICC requesting relocation of Bangladesh’s matches to co-host Sri Lanka but have yet to receive any response.

The dispute follows the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League after threats from extremist political groups in India. The BCB considers this incident an insult to Bangladesh’s national pride and questions India’s ability to ensure safety for the entire team, journalists, and supporters. The board believes the ICC is reconsidering its plans, as no official decision has been communicated yet.

If the ICC declines to move the matches, the BCB is prepared to boycott the tournament, despite potential financial losses and forfeiture of points. The board expects the ICC to decide soon on venue adjustments and scheduling challenges involving other teams.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that the team must play its T20 World Cup matches in India or risk losing points. The issue arose after Bangladesh expressed unwillingness to travel to India citing security concerns. The matter was discussed in a virtual meeting between ICC and BCB on Tuesday, where ICC clarified that relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India would not be possible due to security logistics.

According to the report, BCB had earlier written to ICC requesting that Bangladesh’s matches be moved from India. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, placed in Group C, is set to play its first three matches in Kolkata and the last one in Mumbai. However, BCB stated that it has not yet received any official or final decision from ICC or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The dispute follows a recent directive from the Indian board barring Mustafizur Rahman from playing for Kolkata Knight Riders over security issues, which prompted BCB’s initial letter to ICC.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has registered to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being left out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite not being retained by Kolkata Knight Riders, his inclusion in the PSL was confirmed through official posts on the league’s Facebook and X pages, which announced his participation in the upcoming HBL PSL 11 season.

According to the report, Mustafizur’s team in the PSL has not yet been finalized, but it is expected that he will be picked through the players’ draft. The left-arm pacer previously played for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 edition of the tournament. His move to the PSL follows reports that his IPL exclusion was linked to political reasons.

The confirmation from PSL organizers highlights Mustafizur’s continued demand in global franchise cricket, even after his omission from the IPL lineup.

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. nearly decided to retire from football following his latest injury, according to his father and agent, Neymar Sr. In a recent interview on a YouTube channel, Neymar Sr. said his son was mentally devastated after suffering a meniscus injury that became public before the family could discuss it. He recalled visiting Neymar, who expressed that he could no longer endure the pain and uncertainty about surgery.

Neymar Sr. added that he encouraged his son to undergo surgery if it would help him recover, assuring full support. The next morning, Neymar resumed light training, regaining confidence and eventually returning to score again. Fans now hope he can return to the field by the end of this month and fight for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Neymar, who has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, suffered ACL and meniscus injuries in October 2023. After leaving Saudi club Al Hilal for Santos, he underwent minor knee surgery on December 22 and continues his recovery to regain full fitness.

Indian media reports claim that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad, though the matter was never discussed in any official board meeting. According to The Indian Express, senior BCCI officials made the decision unilaterally, and even members of the IPL governing council were unaware until the news appeared in the media. Attempts to contact BCCI secretary Debajit Saikia for clarification were unsuccessful.

Saikia later confirmed that KKR had been instructed to release Mustafizur, who was signed for 9.2 crore rupees. The decision triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing player safety concerns. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Information Ministry decided to suspend IPL broadcasts in the country.

The controversy continues to grow as questions remain about the decision-making process within BCCI and its implications for Bangladesh-India cricket relations.

Indian Premier League (IPL) sources have indicated that Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to receive any financial compensation after being dropped by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The franchise had purchased him for 9.2 crore rupees in the auction but released him following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid protests by Hindu nationalist groups. According to IPL insiders, the league’s insurance policy does not cover such situations, leaving Mustafizur without a clear path to payment.

An IPL-linked source told PTI that player salaries are insured only for injuries or on-field performance issues, which do not apply in this case. Therefore, KKR has no legal obligation to pay him. The source added that Mustafizur’s only option would be legal action under Indian law, though foreign players rarely pursue such cases, even through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The current political climate between India and Bangladesh is seen as another obstacle to any legal move, with sources suggesting that uncertainty in bilateral relations discourages players from taking such steps.

Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib said he will reconsider registering for next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) auction following Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad. Speaking to reporters after a Rajshahi Warriors practice session, Tanzim stated that he would discuss the matter with his agent and relevant parties before deciding whether to submit his name for the auction.

Tanzim emphasized that politics should be kept out of cricket, expressing uncertainty over why Mustafizur was dropped from KKR. He suggested that the decision might have political undertones but reiterated that cricket should remain free from such influences. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), reacting to the BCCI’s directive that led to Mustafizur’s exclusion, decided not to send the national team to India for the upcoming World Cup, citing player safety concerns.

Tanzim voiced support for the BCB’s stance, calling it the board’s duty to stand by its players and describing the decision as commendable.