United News of Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Google have announced a landmark partnership for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, aiming to deliver the first-ever “AI-powered” edition of the tournament. Under the collaboration, Google Gemini has been named the “Official AI Fan Companion,” while Google Pixel will serve as the “Official Smartphone” of the event. The initiative seeks to merge live sporting action with advanced generative AI to deepen fan engagement globally. The partnership kicks off with the “Craziest Fan Kaun” contest, an interactive campaign inviting fans to use Gemini’s image generation capabilities—powered by the Nano Banana model—to design unique “Crazy Fan” avatars. Winners will be awarded an exclusive match-day experience, attending a World Cup game in person while wearing their custom AI-designed looks. Yousuf questions ICC governance: ‘Cricket must be ruled by principles, not influence’ “This partnership brings together two global organisations united by consumer focus, scale, purpose and innovation,” said ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta. “Together, we will use technology to deepen engagement, enhance experiences and make cricket more accessible and meaningful for fans worldwide.” To further integrate AI into the fan journey, the Gemini app will feature a dedicated “Explore Cricket” tab. This hub will offer weekly refreshed content, including AI-generated explanations of complex rules like the DLS system, quizzes, and interactive challenges such as “Design a new cricket format.” Additionally, fans can access “Insight Cards by Gemini,” which synthesize web data to create shareable digital snapshots of player milestones and trivia. On the hardware front, Google Pixel devices will be used to capture exclusive, high-quality content from inside the stadiums. Leveraging Pixel’s 48MP 5x telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities, the partnership promises to offer fans never-before-seen perspectives of the on-field action across social media platforms. Shekar Khosla, VP Marketing at Google India, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “We are bringing together Gemini’s generative capabilities and Pixel’s advanced imaging to deliver features that empower fans with new avenues for creativity and celebration,” he said.  

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it could face legal action from the T20 World Cup’s official broadcasters, JioStar, over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its February 15 match against India, a PCB source said on Tuesday. Pakistan decided not to play the high-profile match in Colombo following instructions from its government, but the PCB has yet to formally convey the reasons for the boycott to the ICC. According to a PTI report, the ICC is considering withholding Pakistan’s entire annual revenue share, estimated at around USD 35 million, and using that amount to compensate the broadcasters. A PCB source said chairman Mohsin Naqvi had consulted the board’s legal team before briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the matter last week, but the board is now preparing for serious repercussions. “If Pakistan does not back down and play against India, they could face heavy financial penalties, a possible lawsuit from broadcasters, and even an appeal to the ICC Dispute Resolution Committee is unlikely to succeed,” the source told PTI. Prove you are fair: Pakistan legend Afridi tells ICC supporting Pakistan’s boycott The ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee is an internal body that does not entertain appeals against decisions taken by the ICC Board itself. Another PCB source pointed out that Pakistan’s position could be further weakened because the team is already playing all its matches at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka, a condition it had sought instead of playing in India. The source also noted that while the Indian government has not allowed its team to tour Pakistan, it has not prevented India from playing Pakistan at neutral venues in Asia Cup or ICC tournaments, even after the conflict in May. The PCB has not yet sent a written communication to the ICC, though the boycott is reportedly being viewed as an act of solidarity with Bangladesh following their ouster. India to show up at stadium as Pakistan confirms boycott of Feb 15 clash “When the ICC signed a four-year broadcasting deal for its events, India-Pakistan matches were a key component of that contract, and payments were made accordingly,” the source said. “As a result, the broadcaster would be well within its rights to take both the PCB and the ICC to court over what it sees as a major breach of contract.” #With inputs from NDTV

Pakistan has announced that although its national team will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it will boycott the high-profile group-stage match against India, a decision expected to stir strong reactions in the cricketing world. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement in the tournament but deals a massive blow to the event's most anticipated fixture. The high-stakes match was scheduled for February 15. The decision was communicated via the Pakistan government's official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement read. This unprecedented move effectively means Pakistan will likely forfeit points for the match, but the decision appears to be a political stance rather than a cricketing one. Litton, Shanto, Akbar to lead teams in special 3-team T20 event starting Feb 5 It comes amidst heightened regional tensions and follows the recent controversy involving Bangladesh, who were replaced in the tournament by Scotland after refusing to play in India. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) had reportedly moved Pakistan's games to Sri Lanka to ensure their participation, the government's refusal to play India—even at a neutral venue—marks a historic low in bilateral sporting ties.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indefinitely postponed the unveiling ceremony of the national team’s official jersey for the 2026 T20 World Cup, intensifying speculation regarding the country’s participation in the tournament. According to sources, the kit launch was scheduled to take place on Saturday evening following the toss of the second T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium. However, the event was called off at the eleventh hour due to what insiders termed “unavoidable circumstances.” The delay comes amidst a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Pakistan's involvement in the marquee event, which is set to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Sources indicate that a final decision on whether the team will travel for the World Cup is expected on Monday, following high-level government consultations. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Under the proposed “hybrid formula,” all of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka to avoid travel to India. Should they qualify for the knockout stages, the semi-finals and final would also be moved to Colombo. T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Despite the administrative deadlock, the cricketing preparations have proceeded. The PCB announced a 15-member squad on January 25, led by new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. The squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside debutants for an ICC event such as Faheem Ashraf and Sahibzada Farhan. Pakistan is currently scheduled to open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.

As the cricketing world awaits the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) final decision on participating in the T20 World Cup, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and commentator Harsha Bhogle have dismissed the boycott threats as empty posturing, claiming Pakistan lacks the “courage” to actually withdraw. Speaking on a show for a news website, Rahane was blunt in his assessment of the standoff. “I don't think Pakistan can stay away. I don't think they have that courage,” the Indian batter stated, referring to the speculation that Pakistan might pull out in solidarity with Bangladesh. Renowned analyst Harsha Bhogle echoed Rahane’s sentiment, describing the current delay in decision-making as mere “noise.” Bhogle argued that international cricket operates on a different level than local leagues. “This isn't club cricket where you can say, ‘the manager didn't come, so we won't play, take a walkover.’ This is the World Cup,” Bhogle said. Bhogle further remarked that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC are unlikely to plead with Pakistan to participate. “Pakistan knows they will play. They are just making noise…,” he said. “If they say they won't play, people will say, 'don't come.' No one is going to go and say, ‘please come, please come.’” T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh The speculation regarding a boycott stems from the ICC's recent decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to tour India due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that a final decision regarding Pakistan's participation—pending consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—will be announced by Friday or next Monday.

The government has not ruled out playing in T20 World Cup but asked for alternative venues to ensure the safety of players and spectators, said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday. “The government has never said that we will not play. We have clearly stated that we are interested in participating in the World Cup. What we have asked for is an alternative venue,” he told reporters responding to a question after a meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee at the Secretariat. Referring to past precedents, the adviser said the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier arranged neutral venues for teams facing security or political concerns. “India did not play in Pakistan for many years and played matches in different countries. So, providing an alternative venue is nothing unusual,” he added. He stressed that Bangladesh did not make any unprecedented or unreasonable demand. “This was not something absurd or an innovation coming out of nowhere. It is a practice that already exists in international cricket,” he said. Explaining the rationale behind the government’s decision, the adviser pointed to security concerns arising from political developments in the host country. He cited the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from a previous event as a key factor. “You know why Mustafiz was excluded. Certain political groups including the BJP and Shiv Sena demanded that he be dropped,” Khan said. In that context, the government considered the safety of our players and the security of spectators and that is why this decision was taken, he added. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure a safe and secure environment for Bangladeshi athletes whenever they compete abroad.”This is a policy-based stand, not a political one.” Read More: ICC rejects accreditation for Bangladeshi journalists to cover T20 World Cup Khan expressed hope that the ICC would address Bangladesh’s concerns in line with established international practices and facilitate arrangements that allow the team to participate without compromising security.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be made by early next week. The confirmation came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi, who also serves as the country's Interior Minister, described his discussion with the Prime Minister as “productive.” According to the PCB chief, PM Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the board to resolve the ongoing standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) while keeping “all options on the table”—a directive that suggests a full boycott remains a distinct possibility. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Taking to a social media, Naqvi said, “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” The uncertainty over the 2009 champions' participation stems from the deepening crisis surrounding the tournament, scheduled to begin in February. Tensions escalated last week when the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. Global players’ body backs Bangladesh, but ignores core safety concerns Bangladesh raised The BCB’s refusal was triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman on security grounds—a move Dhaka viewed as an admission of a hostile environment. With reports circulating that Pakistan may boycott the event or refuse to play India in solidarity with Bangladesh, the upcoming decision by the PCB will be critical for the future of the tournament.

The crisis surrounding the 2026 T20 World Cup has escalated further, with reports emerging that Pakistan is seriously considering boycotting its blockbuster group-stage match against arch-rivals India. The move is being weighed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a major protest against the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland. According to sources, the PCB is reviewing various options to register its dissent, including refusing to take the field for the high-stakes encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Insiders suggest the board calculates that forfeiting the match—and the associated two points—would be a manageable sporting loss compared to the massive financial and reputational blow a boycott of the tournament's most lucrative fixture would deal to the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is scheduled to meet the national squad today, slammed the global body for its handling of the situation. He accused the ICC of “double standards” for stripping Bangladesh of its spot while accommodating India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for other events. “You cannot have double standards, where one country can make whatever decision whenever and do the total opposite for another country,” Naqvi said. Naqvi also took a veiled dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying, “One country cannot dictate another. And if this dictation is attempted, then Pakistan definitely has its own stance.” The final decision, however, rests with the federal government of Pakistan. Naqvi confirmed that the board will announce its official stance once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to the country.  Pakistan is currently scheduled to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.  

In a dramatic development coinciding with Bangladesh's official exclusion from the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that former captain Shakib Al Hasan is once again eligible for national selection. The decision came following an eight-hour board meeting on Saturday late at night. BCB Media Committee Chairman Amjad Hossain confirmed that the board has cleared the way for the veteran all-rounder to return to international cricket, provided he meets fitness and availability criteria. “If Shakib is available, fit, and can physically access the match venues, the board and the selection panel will definitely consider him,” Amjad told reporters. But, significant hurdles remain regarding his return to Bangladesh. Shakib, a former Member of Parliament for the ousted Awami League government, has not returned to the country since the regime fell in August 2024. Shakib contested the 2024 election under the Sheikh Hasina government, which was marred by allegations of irregularities and boycott of oppositions. He was last seen in national colors during the Kanpur Test against India, and was forced to miss his planned farewell Test in Mirpur due to public protests and security threats. When pressed on how Shakib could return given the multiple legal cases filed against him, the board distanced itself from the legalities. “Whether he is a criminal or needs to be judged is a government issue, not the BCB's,” Amjad stated. Another board director, Asif Akbar, added, “Whether he is a fallen fascist or a former MP is not our concern. We want the player Shakib.” The board has reportedly tasked its president with discussing the matter with the government to ensure Shakib's safe passage.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) plea to relocate Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches from India to an alternative venue, a senior BCB official told UNB. It has opened the door for Scotland to play in the World Cup, according to the reports. The decision follows the Bangladesh government's refusal to send the national team to India, citing “genuine and severe” security risks that the global body failed to address. Despite BCB’s last-ditch appeal to the ICC’s Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, the global body proceeded with the replacement, adhering to its ultimatum regarding the tournament schedule. Scotland, as the highest-ranked qualifier, will now take Bangladesh’s spot in the group stage. The withdrawal is rooted in what Dhaka describes as a hostile climate in India. The Bangladesh government pointed to the forced removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by the BCCI earlier this month due to security threats as undeniable proof that player safety could not be guaranteed. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had vehemently argued that reports of mob lynchings of suspected Bangladeshis in West Bengal and threats from political groups like Shiv Sena made the tour impossible. Travel to India for T20 World Cup or be replaced: ICC warns Bangladesh “We cannot bow our heads and push our players into a genuine risk,” the Sports Adviser had said recently, emphasizing that national dignity and life took precedence over sport. While critics, including former official Syed Ashraful Haque, argued the decision should have been left to the players, the government maintained that state security is a sovereign responsibility. For Bangladesh, this boycott invites potential heavy sanctions and financial losses, but it stands as a message that the safety of its citizens remains non-negotiable.