Ekush Tapader

The Bangladesh-Ireland T20I series -- the Tigers’ final T20 assignment before February-March’s T20 World Cup -- was expected to be straightforward for the hosts. The plan was simple: secure the series in the first two matches and use the final game to test new options ahead of the global event.

A defeat in the first T20I against Ireland has disrupted the pre-series calculations of the Bangladesh selectors as thoughts of T20 World Cup preparation have now been set aside and the focus has shifted towards winning the series.

Bangladesh’s cricketers often say, “If the team doesn’t win, my runs mean nothing.” But deep down, how many of them truly believe that? Through their on-field antics and off-field comments, the players often fail to justify that statement

A day before the start of an international series, Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das drags the selectors into the dock and expresses deep dissatisfaction with the cricket operations department’s policies. Even though such drama becomes material for the media ahead of a low-profile series, for any team or cricket board, it’s an uncomfortable scene. 

For players who hold Test cricket close to their hearts, that cap is a deeply emotional symbol.

Ten -- that's how many directors the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had when Faruque Ahmed took over as its president in last year's August.

At the toss ahead of the Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, a rare scene unfolded. For the first time on a cricket field, the two captains spoke to two different commentators -- naturally, each one from their own country.

During the innings break of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Super Four match in Dubai on Thursday, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram looked tense..When asked about the match situation, Akram, who is working as a commentator at the Asia Cup, said, “The wicket is a bit tricky, but if Bangladesh plays basi