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.  

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that their national cricket team will not take the field against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating the decision was made to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh. Addressing cabinet members in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif declared that “politics should not exist on the sports field.” This is the first time the government has publicly articulated the specific reason behind the boycott, which was announced via social media last week. “We have taken a very clear position on the T20 World Cup—we will not play the match against India,” Sharif told his cabinet. “We took this decision after much thought. We should fully stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision.” T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland The diplomatic sporting row stems from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. The Bangladesh government had refused to send their team to India citing security concerns, following threats from communal groups that led to pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL on January 3. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change to Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected the plea, labeling the threat against Mustafizur as “isolated.” Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul later said that neither the ICC nor the Indian government provided necessary security assurances. ICC warns PCB of legal and financial fallout over India match boycott Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has supported Bangladesh throughout the process, criticizing the ICC for “double standards” regarding security protocols. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. The India-Pakistan clash was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The ICC has previously warned the PCB to “reconsider” the boycott, citing potential long-term implications for Pakistan cricket.          

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his full support for the government’s decision to boycott the group-stage match against India at the upcoming T20 World Cup, while issuing a stern challenge to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove its impartiality. The Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday via social media that while the Men in Green will participate in the 2026 tournament, they will not take the field against arch-rivals India on February 15. Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the standoff but stood firm with the national policy. “I have always believed that cricket opens doors that politics closes. It is sad that Pakistan will not play against India in the T20 World Cup, but I stand by my government’s decision,” Afridi wrote. He then turned his attention to the global governing body, which has faced criticism for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland following a dispute over security and venue changes in India. Ind vs Pak: ICC to hold emergency meeting within 48 hours, PCB faces possible suspension: Reports “It is now time for the ICC to show their leadership,” Afridi added. “Not just through statements, but through decisions to prove that they are impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” The diplomatic row was triggered after the ICC refused Bangladesh's request to move their matches out of India due to security concerns—concerns heightened after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped by IPL franchise KKR allegedly due to political pressure. Pakistan’s partial boycott is seen as a move of solidarity with Bangladesh. The ICC has previously warned that “selective participation” undermines the spirit of the World Cup and urged the PCB to find a constructive resolution. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia.  

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.

Former cricketing heavyweights Shahid Afridi and Jason Gillespie have launched a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the governing body of ‘hypocrisy’ and ‘double standards’ after it officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The backlash follows the ICC's confirmation on Saturday that Scotland would take Bangladesh's spot in Group C, after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. The ICC justified the move by stating there was an ‘absence of any credible or verifiable security threat’. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed deep disappointment on social media platform X, pointing out the glaring inconsistency in how the ICC handles security claims from different nations. T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland He drew a sharp parallel to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a decision the ICC accommodated. “It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi wrote. “Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance... The ICC should build bridges, not burn them.”  Australian legend and former Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie echoed these sentiments, openly questioning why a neutral venue solution—often used for India—was not offered to Bangladesh.  Farooki questions ICC’s neutrality, cites mob lynching as proof of ‘severe risk’ in India “Has there been an explanation from the ICC why Bangladesh could not play their games outside of India?” Gillespie asked on X. “From memory, India refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and they were allowed to play those games outside of Pakistan. Can someone make this make sense?!?!” Scotland, beneficiaries of the standoff, will now join England, the West Indies, Italy, and Nepal in Group C.    

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.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the intervention of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, refusing to back down from its demand to shift their T20 World Cup matches out of India. Despite the ICC's recent ruling that the tournament schedule remains non-negotiable, the Bangladesh government and board remain steadfast in their decision to boycott the Indian leg of the tournament due to unresolved security concerns. Following a meeting with the World Cup squad at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul declared that there is “no chance” of the government altering its stance. He confirmed that unless the ICC relocates the fixtures to co-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will not participate in the global event scheduled to begin on February 7. In a fresh email sent to the global body, the BCB reiterated its position and called for the dispute to be adjudicated by the ICC’s independent panel of lawyers, hoping for a neutral verdict on the safety risks involved. During the meeting with the Sports Adviser, the players were briefed on the geopolitical realities and security threats that necessitated this hardline approach. The squad reportedly expressed no dissent, stating that while their primary role is to play cricket, they respect the decision of the government and the board as their guardians and will support the boycott if necessary. The crisis was precipitated by the BCCI's decision on January 3 to remove pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following threats from extremist groups, an incident the Bangladesh government cites as clear evidence that the environment in India is hostile. Farooki questions ICC’s neutrality, cites mob lynching as proof of ‘severe risk’ in India BCB President Aminul Islam maintained that the team is physically and mentally prepared to play but will only do so if the matches are moved to Sri Lanka. While the ICC has not officially responded to the request for independent arbitration and the BCCI remains silent, a BCB official confirmed that the board will continue to press its demand until the very end.  

The Bangladesh government has officially confirmed that the national cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing ‘genuine security risks' amidst a volatile regional political climate. The announcement made by the Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday, effectively defies the ultimatum set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) just a day earlier. Speaking to the media, the Sports Adviser made it clear that the safety of the delegation is non-negotiable. “Bangladesh is not travelling to India to play the World Cup due to the security risk—this is a decision made by the Bangladesh government. No other entity has any rights to take this decision,” he said. Read more: Travel to India for T20 World Cup or be replaced: ICC warns Bangladesh This statement overrides the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) attempts to negotiate and directly challenges the ICC's insistence on the original schedule. Addressing the potential financial and sporting repercussions of a boycott, the Adviser argued that national dignity and human safety carry a higher value. He urged the public and media to consider the alternative cost of capitulation. “You should also consider what the damage would be if we played the World Cup,” he said. “Pushing our players, fans, and journalists into a genuine risk amidst this regional political situation, with our heads bowed down... is a damage that must be weighed.” Despite the ICC's vote on Wednesday to replace Bangladesh with Scotland if they refuse to travel, the government remains hopeful for a last-minute diplomatic solution involving a venue change. Read more: India wins T20 series against New Zealand by 48 runs The Adviser insisted that the demand to play in Sri Lanka is valid and rooted in history. “We still hope the ICC will do justice,” he said. “There are many precedents in the world where matches are played at a different venue due to security risks. We have not given up hope yet.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a strict ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup or be replaced. In a decisive board meeting on Wednesday, the global body voted in favor of bringing in a replacement team if Bangladesh persists in its refusal to play in the host nation.  The BCB has been granted a final 24-hour window to consult with its government and confirm whether they will adhere to the tournament schedule. If Bangladesh ultimately declines to travel, Scotland is expected to take their place in Group C, despite failing to qualify directly during the European Qualifiers. The decision to replace Bangladesh was reached via a majority vote by the ICC Board, which included directors from all Full Member nations, such as ICC Chair Jay Shah, BCB President Aminul Islam, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The vote proceeded despite a late diplomatic intervention from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had written to the ICC formally supporting Bangladesh’s stance regarding security concerns in India. The standoff centers on Bangladesh's refusal to play its group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, citing political turmoil and safety risks. However, an independent risk assessment report reviewed during the meeting reportedly stated that while the general threat environment in India is “moderate-high,” there is “no information to indicate a direct threat against participating teams.” Pakistan formally backs Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India With the tournament set to begin on February 7, the ICC has refused to alter the schedule or move matches to a neutral venue like Sri Lanka. The cricketing world now waits for the BCB's final response tomorrow, which will determine whether the Tigers compete or forfeit their spot on the global stage.

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk. This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament. The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB’s email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position. Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India. Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue. While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh. This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh