United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi adventurer Md Ahsanul Haque Khandaker summited Mera Peak Central (6,461 meters) in Nepal's Himalayas this week. Along the way, he had to battle fierce winds and freezing temperatures in what climbers are calling one of the most unpredictable autumn seasons in recent memory. Ahsanul, a corporate professional turned high-altitude climber, set out from Kathmandu on October 27. His route took him through the classic trail via Lukla, Kote, and Khare before a final night push from Mera High Camp. He topped out at 9:58 a.m. on November 5, fighting through heavy gusts and snow flurries near the summit. “It was brutal,” he said afterwards. “But every hardship on that mountain felt worth it when I looked out from the top.” Recently, at least seven climbers died after being hit by an avalanche in the Himalayas. His Himalayan journey started five years ago with treks across Bangladesh's highest peaks in Bandarban. By 2020, he'd moved on to Nepal, completing Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Circuit—each one pushing him a little higher. In 2023, he became the first Bangladeshi to summit Yala Peak (5,520 meters) in winter, a climb that tested both his endurance and resolve. Mera Peak is now his highest summit yet—and perhaps his most meaningful. “Mountains teach you humility,” he said. “You learn what the human body and mind can truly endure.” The 36-year-old left his corporate desk job to pursue the high-altitude life full-time. He describes mountaineering as a search for freedom. “The corporate life felt suffocating. On a mountain, you feel alive,” he said. Ahsanul plans to return to Dhaka by November 15, carrying both the Bangladeshi flag and fresh ambition—to one day stand atop Mount Everest. “If I get the right funding and health, I'll go higher,” he said. “Climbing isn't just about reaching the top. It's about rediscovering who you are—one step at a time.”  

World champions Argentina have announced their final squad of 2025 ahead of a friendly against Angola, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting for a mix of experience and youth as part of his long-term World Cup preparations. The 24-man roster, unveiled Thursday, includes captain Lionel Messi and introduces two newcomers — Gianluca Prestianni and Joaquín Panichelli — both earning their first senior call-ups. Young talents Máximo Perrone and Valentín Barco also retain their spots as Scaloni continues to broaden his player pool. Panichelli, 23, who plays for French side Racing Strasbourg, has been in outstanding form this season with nine goals in 11 Ligue 1 appearances, making him the league’s top scorer. The 6’2” forward, a River Plate academy graduate, also netted on his Europa Conference League debut. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has been rested, while no players from Argentina’s domestic league were included — a decision reflecting Scaloni’s strategy to test new combinations and rest key regulars ahead of a busy international calendar leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The upcoming friendly carries symbolic value for hosts Angola, marking the country’s 50th year of independence. According to reports, the Angolan government paid around €12 million to bring the World Cup winners to Luanda for the match on November 14. Foden shines, Haaland’s form continues as City beat Dortmud 4-1 Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille), Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace) Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Valentín Barco (Racing Strasbourg) Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid), Máximo Perrone (Como), Nicolás Paz (Como) Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Joaquín Panichelli (Racing Strasbourg).

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the formation of an investigation committee after former national women’s team captain Jahanara Alam alleged that she faced sexual harassment and psychological abuse from members of the team management during the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup. In a recent interview on a YouTube channel hosted by journalist Riasad Azim, Jahanara accused former selector and manager Manjurul Islam and the late BCB official Towhid Mahmud of making indecent advances towards her. She also alleged that other officials, including women’s cricket committee chief Nadel Chowdhury and BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, failed to act despite repeated complaints. Jahanara, who has been on an indefinite break and currently resides in Australia, said she chose to speak out “so that future girls can play cricket in a safe environment.” She also claimed she was humiliated and sidelined after rejecting the advances. Both Manjurul and BCB staffer Sarfaraz Babu have denied the allegations, terming them “baseless.” Manjurul, speaking to cricket news platform Cricbuzz from China, said, “You can ask other players whether I was good or bad.” The BCB, acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations, said it would form a probe panel to investigate. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within 15 working days. In a late-night statement on Thursday, the board confirmed the formation of a probe committee.“Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the BCB has decided to form an inquiry committee. The board is committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all players and staff,” the statement reads. Meanwhile, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has issued a formal statement supporting Jahanara’s call for justice. In a letter addressed to senior BCB officials, CWAB described her allegations as “deeply concerning” and urged the board to avoid any delay in completing the investigation.“We do not want to see any kind of assurance or prolonged process here,” CWAB said, demanding swift and decisive action if wrongdoing is proven. The organisation also urged the BCB to examine the broader environment across all levels of women’s cricket in Bangladesh to prevent future incidents. Jahanara made her international debut in 2011 and last played for Bangladesh against Ireland in December 2024.  

Washington Sundar took three wickets in five deliveries as India beat Australia by 48 runs in the fourth Twenty20 on Thursday. India spinners claimed six wickets in all to usher an Australia collapse from 91-4 to 119 all out in pursuit of 168. T20: Australia opt to bowl first against India The visitors took an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the series which ends on Saturday in Brisbane. Sundar took 3-3 from 1.2 overs, left-arm spinner Axar Patel took 2-20 in four overs, and Varun Chakravarthy picked 1-26. Shubman Gill scored 46 off 39 balls as India put up 167-8 after being sent in. Wrist spinner Adam Zampa took 3-45 in four overs. Pakistan to bat first against South Africa, eye ODI series title Skipper Mitchell Marsh top-scored for Australia with 30 off 24 balls.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Governing Council has finalized the lineup of franchises for the upcoming season of the country’s flagship T20 tournament. The franchises are Dhaka Capitals, Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Titans, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced in a statement on Thursday. They confirmed participation from five teams after the registration and evaluation process concluded earlier this week. The decision follows a series of meetings between the BCB and franchise representatives to ensure compliance with financial and operational requirements under the new five-year agreement. Officials said the shortlisted teams were selected based on both transparency and long-term stability. The BPL Governing Council’s announcement completes the franchise approval stage, paving the way for the next steps in the buildup to the tournament, including player registration and the players’ draft scheduled for November 17. The 2025–26 edition of the BPL is expected to begin in mid-December, continuing the league’s role as a key platform for domestic and international cricketers.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat in the second one-day international against South Africa on Thursday. South Africa’s poor luck at the toss continued, having lost all seven tosses so far on the Pakistan tour. The teams earlier drew the Test series 1-1, while South Africa dropped the Twenty20 series 2-1. Pakistan can seal the ODI series with a win in this match. T20: Australia opt to bowl first against India The hosts made two changes from the side that successfully chased 264 in the opening ODI on Tuesday. Allrounder Faheem Ashraf came in for out-of-form middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz, and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim replaced leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. South Africa also made two alterations, resting pacers Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams and bringing in quicks Nqabayomzi Peter and Nandre Burger. Lineups: Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim. Rishabh Pant makes comeback for India’s test series against South Africa South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (captain), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger.

Australia won the toss and elected to field in the fourth Twenty20 international against India on Thursday. The five-match series is currently level at 1-1, with Australia claiming a three-wicket win in the second match at Melbourne after the opener in Canberra was washed out. India drew level with a five-wicket victory in Hobart during the third game. The hosts made four changes, bringing in Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Philippe. Maxwell, returning from a wrist injury, replaces Travis Head, who has withdrawn from the remainder of the series to prepare for the upcoming Ashes against England. India have named an unchanged lineup. Opening batter Abhishek Sharma is 39 runs away from reaching 1,000 T20 international runs. If he achieves the milestone at Carrara Stadium, he will equal Virat Kohli’s record of reaching the mark in 27 innings—the fastest by an Indian. The series will conclude with the final match in Brisbane on Saturday. Lineups: Australia: Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Inglis, Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.      

China’s appointment of former international Shao Jiayi as the national coach has been welcomed at home and abroad. Shao, aged 45, played at the 2002 World Cup — China’s only appearance at the tournament — and is considered one of the nation’s most successful exports after spending nine years in Germany. As a coach, Shao previously served as an assistant with the national side and took over Qingdao West Coast in 2024. The club is ninth in the Chinese Super League. “I support the decision,” former China international Mao Jianqing said. “Shao Jiayi is capable, and his personality and other aspects are suitable. The national team can’t be changed by one coach immediately, it takes time.” China has been without a permanent coach since June when Branko Ivankovic of Croatia departed following the team’s elimination from 2026 World Cup qualifying. As a player, Shao made nearly 200 appearances for German clubs 1860 Munich, Energie Cottbus and MSV Duisburg from 2002-11 then returned to his original club Beijing Guoan, where he ended his playing career in 2015. The German Football Association congratulated Shao on the appointment: “We look forward to seeing China’s national team reach new heights under his leadership, and the Bundesliga remains committed to long-term cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of Chinese football.” Shao is the third member of China’s 2002 World Cup squad to coach the national team following Li Tie, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence on corruption charges, and Li Xiaopeng. His first task is to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been recalled to India’s squad for the upcoming two-test series against South Africa, marking his return to international cricket after a foot injury sidelined him for months. The test series begins on November 14 in Kolkata. Pant, who was vice-captain during India’s tour of England earlier this year, will resume the same role under captain Shubman Gill. Ravindra Jadeja, the world’s top-ranked test all-rounder, had served as deputy in India’s previous series against the West Indies. Pant was in fine form before his injury, amassing 479 runs in four tests against England, including two centuries and three fifties. Having recovered last month, he led India A in the unofficial test against South Africa A in Bengaluru, where he struck a crucial 90 in the second innings to guide his team to a three-wicket win. He will continue to lead India A in the second unofficial test starting Thursday. Several players named in the senior squad — including KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj — are also part of the India A side. India's Women earn record INR 125 crore after historic World Cup triumph India’s test squad includes wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was released from the T20 squad in Australia to prepare for the South Africa series. Pacer Mohammed Shami remains absent despite solid domestic form, while veteran batter Karun Nair also misses out after modest performances in England. South Africa, the reigning World Test Champion, recently drew its series 1-1 in Pakistan. India test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.

Manchester City continued their impressive run in the Champions League as Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday. Phil Foden rediscovered his rhythm, scoring a brace, while Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki contributed the other two of City’s four goals. On the other hand, Waldemar Anton scored Dortmund’s only goal in the 72nd minute. With the victory, Manchester City extended their unbeaten run in the competition, while Dortmund suffered their first defeat of the campaign. After four rounds, City climbed to fourth place with 10 points from three wins and a draw. Bayern Munich lead the standings with maximum points (12), while the next two sides, Arsenal and Inter Milan, also have 12 points each. City dominate from the start Guardiola’s men put Dortmund on the back foot from the opening whistle with a series of well-coordinated attacks. City took control of the match inside the first 30 minutes with two goals. They nearly went ahead in the 10th minute, but Foden’s powerful low strike went straight to Gregor Kobel. Six minutes later, the Dortmund goalkeeper denied him again, this time saving a shot from outside the penalty area. In the 22nd minute, Foden finally found the breakthrough. Receiving a pass from Tijjani Reijnders, the England midfielder advanced a few steps and fired a low diagonal drive that sneaked inside the far post. Five minutes later, Haaland almost made it 2-0 as he set up Nico O’Reilly, but Kobel produced a superb reflex save, tipping the fierce attempt over the crossbar with one hand.