Cricket Ireland has postponed its scheduled three-match ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh, which was planned for this year. The decision was confirmed in the board’s newly released annual fixture list, where the Bangladesh series was omitted. According to a statement from Cricket Ireland, the postponement was due to financial constraints and logistical challenges. The board did not specify whether the series would be rescheduled in the future.

Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said they were not aware of any detailed information regarding the postponement. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Test captain Andy Balbirnie expressed disappointment on social media, noting that the team will play only eight home matches this season.

The development reflects the ongoing financial strain within Irish cricket, which has affected its international scheduling and limited opportunities for home fixtures.

Iran has announced that it will not play its scheduled FIFA World Cup matches in the United States due to security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The 2026 World Cup, set to begin in about three months, is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the fixture, Iran’s three group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt were to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the Iranian Football Federation has requested that these matches be moved to Mexico.

Federation president Mehdi Taj clarified that Iran is not boycotting the World Cup but will not set foot on US soil because of safety risks. He cited a statement by Donald Trump suggesting that the US could not guarantee the Iranian team’s security. FIFA President Gianni Infantino rejected Iran’s request, stating that the schedule is final and that FIFA cannot intervene in political disputes but believes football can promote peace.

If Iran ultimately refuses to play in the US, it would mark one of the rarest political standoffs in modern football history since the post–World War II era.

FIFA has fined the Israel Football Association (IFA) 150,000 Swiss francs for violations including discrimination, racist behavior, aggressive conduct, and breaches of fair play principles. The decision was announced after reviewing two separate petitions submitted by the Palestine Football Association (PFA), which had sought disciplinary action against Israel for allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements to compete in its national league.

FIFA stated that the final legal status of the West Bank remains complex and unresolved under international law. Based on recommendations from its governance panel, the organization decided not to take any action regarding the participation of settlement-based clubs. However, it imposed the financial penalty on the IFA in response to other verified complaints.

The ruling reflects FIFA’s attempt to balance competing claims from the two football associations while maintaining adherence to its disciplinary framework. The decision stops short of suspension but signals scrutiny of conduct within Israeli football.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not play in the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand. Instead, he will represent Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in two phases to participate in the franchise-based tournament. The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, and Mustafizur will play until April 12.

After completing his PSL commitments, Mustafizur is expected to return to Bangladesh to join the national team for the One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand. Following the ODI series, he will again return to the PSL on April 24 with a second-phase NOC, allowing him to play until May 3. His decision to prioritize franchise cricket has led to his absence from the T20 series against New Zealand.

The arrangement reflects Mustafizur’s commitment to Lahore Qalandars and the BCB’s approval of his participation in the PSL during this period.

Lionel Messi achieved a major career milestone by scoring his 900th goal in professional football, becoming the second player in history to reach this mark. The milestone came after a two-match break, during Inter Miami’s home leg against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite Messi’s early goal in the seventh minute, the match ended 1-1, resulting in Miami’s elimination from the tournament’s round of 16.

The first leg between the teams in Nashville had ended goalless. In the return leg, Messi’s strike gave Miami a lead that lasted until the 74th minute, when Argentine forward Cristian Espinoza equalized for Nashville. Due to the away-goal rule, Nashville advanced to the next round while Inter Miami were knocked out.

Messi’s 900th goal places him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who first reached the milestone in September 2024. However, the achievement was overshadowed by Miami’s tournament exit on home soil.

Barcelona advanced to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after a dominant 7-2 victory over Newcastle United at Camp Nou on Wednesday night. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides exchanging goals. Raphinha and Marc Bernal twice put Barcelona ahead, but Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga equalized both times. In first-half injury time, Lamine Yamal converted a penalty to restore Barcelona’s lead. The second half turned one-sided as the hosts took full control, adding four more goals through Fermín López, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Raphinha and Lewandowski each scored twice, while Yamal, Bernal, and López added one goal apiece. The win followed a 1-1 draw in the first leg, where Barcelona had conceded late. Under coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan side displayed attacking dominance and secured their place among Europe’s top eight teams.

The result marks a strong statement of intent from Barcelona as they continue their Champions League campaign, showing renewed form and confidence after earlier struggles in the competition.

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.