Samsul Arefin Khan

With Messi still leading the way, Argentina continue to believe that anything is possible.

On the night Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, parts of Dhaka barely slept. Blue-and-white flags hung like tapestries from rooftops and balconies. Fireworks shattered the midnight, and dense crowds erupted in celebrations that perfectly mirrored the euphoric scenes at the Plaza de la Republica in Buenos Aires.

The Bangladesh midfielder spoke about his World Cup memories, tournament predictions, his journey with Bangladesh, and more.

What can be expected from the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side at this World Cup? Will it be another tournament of participation, or can they finally take a meaningful step forward?

Eight months after the last Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, the country's cricket governing body is set to hold another board of directors' election today. Yet despite a change in administration, the overall picture appears largely unchanged, making this another largely predictable and excitement-free contest.

A consortium comprising BTV, T Sports and Star News is set to acquire the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials confirmed on Tuesday, ending fears of a potential blackout of the tournament in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s ability to consistently post big totals, chase 150-plus targets have long been far from convincing. Continuing the trend, they managed only 133 for five against Scotland and then fell eight runs short of 163-run chase.

Recently, the right-arm pacer spoke to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan and revealed that she has a secret plan for the mega T20 event.

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.