Ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka hosted a reception in honor of Bangladesh’s women cricketers.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma, joined by his spouse Manu Verma, welcomed the team at India House. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the deep ties between India and Bangladesh:
“Our geography, history, language, and culture unite us — and cricket has further strengthened this bond.”

Praising the Bangladesh women’s team, he said they had shown remarkable progress in recent years and described them as a “symbol of women’s empowerment and youthful spirit.”

“We stand proudly beside them,” Verma added.

The event was also attended by Nazmul Abedin, Chairman of the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Wing.

Bangladesh’s national football team, stranded in Nepal amid political unrest, is set to return home today, according to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Following a Gen-Z–led uprising in Nepal that sparked curfews and violent protests, the players, including captain Jamal Bhuyan, were confined to their hotel.

Bangladesh Embassy officials and the army coordinated to ensure the team’s safe departure once Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport reopened. Despite uncertainty, players kept up fitness routines. Midfielder Sohel Rana said, “The situation is calmer now. We’re staying in touch with our families, and BFF is working hard to bring us home.”

Tensions gripped the Bangladesh national football team in Kathmandu after protesters set fire to a nearby building and stormed into their hotel in search of political leaders.

Footballer Sumon Reza recounted the ordeal:

“The protesters eventually calmed down when hotel authorities explained that only footballers were staying here, not politicians. They even saw us in the lobby and realized it themselves. That eased our fears.”

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan was also heard in a video saying, “It doesn’t feel safe here. Should we move elsewhere?”

Clarifying the situation, Reza added that the unrest was linked to a nearby residence of a ruling party leader, which was set ablaze. Another hotel, Hilton, was also attacked during the violence.

Nepal is witnessing widespread unrest as Gen-Z-led anti-government protests escalate. The demonstrations turned deadly, claiming 19 lives and prompting the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced that the national team was scheduled to depart for Tribhuvan International Airport from their hotel at 3 PM today for the second Nepal-Bangladesh friendly match. However, with protests intensifying, airport authorities canceled all flights, leaving the return of Jamal Bhuiyan’s squad uncertain.

Government Adviser Asif Mahmud has said that the government is working sincerely to improve opportunities for the nation’s youth. He noted that an Entrepreneur Development Policy has been formulated, and the Youth Loan Policy is being updated to meet current needs.
While inaugurating a mini stadium, Mahmud highlighted initiatives to reduce youth unemployment through job creation, modern technology-based training—including world-class AI technology—and building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. A task force has also been formed to coordinate these efforts.
“So far, about 150 upazila mini stadiums have been inaugurated across the country,” he said, adding that a decentralization policy in the sports sector is being implemented. Each mini stadium features a three-story pavilion building, three general galleries with five tiers, and separate toilet facilities for men and women.

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.