Samsul Arefin Khan

As Bangladesh head towards their seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared her plans, expectations, and thoughts on criticism with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan during an interview, the excerpts of which are as follows:

In an interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, she spoke about the team’s preparation, her personal transformation, and Bangladesh’s ambitions for the tournament.

Bangladeshi broadcasters T Sports and Star News, in a joint venture, and a Dubai-based company have emerged as potential buyers

The 31-year-old fast bowler's experience and quality remain indispensable to the Tigers.

Pacer Nahid Rana delivered a fiery spell in the final session of the opening Test to claim career-best figures and guide Bangladesh to a 104-run victory over Pakistan, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

4.5 overs, two maidens, 10 runs, and four wickets. This was the match-winning bowling spell produced by Nahid Rana after he was brought back into the attack for his second spell in the final session of the opening Test against Pakistan in Mirpur on Tuesday. The spell proved decisive as Bangladesh thrashed Pakistan by 104 runs to secure their first-ever Test victory over the neighbouring nation on home soil.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just 33 days, but there is a strong possibility that Bangladeshi viewers may face a World Cup blackout, as no broadcaster in the country has secured telecast rights for the global showpiece event as of yesterday.

Amite Hasan’s maiden national team call-up for the first of two Tests against Pakistan next month marks the culmination of seven years of consistent performances in the domestic circuit, with selectors placing their trust in one of the most reliable performers. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, Amite spoke about maintaining a simple mindset, expressed deep gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, and shared his excitement about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with his idol, Mushfiqur Rahim, among other topics. The excerpts are as follows:

The 2002 FIFA World Cup is remembered as a tournament of shocks and surprises. Traditional powerhouses like France and Argentina crashed out in the group stage, while emerging sides such as South Korea and Turkey defied expectations to reach the semifinals.

The year 2002 was widely tipped as Argentina’s moment to end their 16-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title. Few teams entered the tournament in Korea and Japan with greater expectation.

Unless the domestic structure is prioritised and revitalised, Bangladesh may find themselves perpetually playing catch-up.

If this trajectory holds, Bangladesh may finally have found a dependable opener, and perhaps a long-awaited answer to a persistent problem.

There was a striking similarity between the starts of New Zealand and Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Mirpur on Friday, but the contrasting approaches that followed ultimately defined the outcome.

Bangladesh players had a combined 761 ODI appearances compared to New Zealand’s 368 before Friday's series opener.

Since returning from Melbourne in late March, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul has remained active in board affairs even as growing internal instability has continues casting a shadow over his tenure.

For years, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman were Bangladesh’s only regulars in franchise-based T20 leagues around the world before leg-spinner Rishad Hossain joined their ranks with recent appearances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL).

One of the country’s most consistent domestic performers, the 39-year-old spoke about his shift to selection, his goals in the new role, and the need for greater transparency.

Bangladesh’s 11-run victory over Pakistan in the series-deciding third ODI on Sunday brought much-needed relief, helping them climb to ninth in the ODI rankings, but even in victory, the team’s conservative batting approach raised concerns.

The national team will feel the impact most, as the tournament could have offered valuable preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June–July.

For many years, women’s involvement in cricket in Bangladesh was largely confined to playing on the field. Recently, however, a new pathway has emerged as women step into officiating roles, proving that their contribution to the sport can extend further.