United News of Bangladesh

Forward Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year contract to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of speculation about the Olympic gold medalist's future in the National Women's Soccer League. “I think I've always had a vision and an idea of what I wanted my legacy to be,” Rodman said at an event announcing her new deal on Thursday in Los Angeles. “And for me, we're doing that and I'm so grateful for that.” The speculation over Rodman's future with the Spirit spurred criticism of the NWSL salary cap and whether it hampered the league from attracting and maintaining top players. The 23-yera-old Rodman became a free agent at the end of last season after five years with the Spirit. One of the biggest stars in the NWSL, keeping her in the league was considered vitally important as other U.S. national team stars, including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, opted to play in Europe. Rodman, who won a gold medal with the United States at the Paris Olympics, had been drawing interest from European teams that don’t have a salary cap. “I can't think of the Washington Spirit without her,” Spirit owner Michele Kang said. “And I hope she can't think about her career without the Washington Spirit. So this is really monumental and it was really important, not only for the Spirit, especially for our fans who expect to see her. They come to Audi Field and that's where Rowdy Audi clearly came out.” Rodman said she always wanted to stay with the Spirit “Making my decision, the one question I was asked was: ‘Do you feel like you’re finished with the Spirit? Can you say that and feel confident leaving?’” she said. “I didn’t even need half a second, and I was like, ’No, I’m not. I don’t feel ready to make a different decision. That’s just, again, getting drafted here and developing and maturing and learning – and failing – at the Spirit, in D.C., it’s become so much of my legacy and my story. But on top of that, I still feel like there’s so much more I have to give and so much more that I want to do.” The Spirit and Rodman had previously struck a multi-year deal that both parties maintained was in compliance with the salary cap, but it was rejected by the league because it went against the spirit of the rules. The National Women's Soccer League Players Association filed a grievance claiming that the NWSL's rejection of the contract violated Rodman's free agency rights and violated the collective bargaining agreement. To address the salary cap issue, the NWSL in late December adopted a “High Impact Player” mechanism that allowed teams to spend up to $1 million over the cap to sign players that meet certain criteria. Those included metrics like national team minutes, inclusion among the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or or player rankings by outlets like the Guardian or ESPN. The NWSLPA filed a grievance over the rule, claiming it violated the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law because player compensation must be negotiated. The NWSLPA maintains the league had no authority to “unilaterally create a new pay structure.” Spirit President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter said the High Impact Player rule figured into the contract Rodman ultimately agreed to. Carter also said the grievances would not alter Rodman's deal. The financial terms of Rodman's contract were not disclosed, but the Spirit called it “one of the most significant deals in NWSL history.” The NWSL’s salary cap is $3.5 million for each team for the 2026 season, although it will increase each year until it hits $5.1 million in 2030. Rodman is currently with the national team in their annual January training camp in Carson, California. The team plays a match there against Paraguay on Saturday and then plays Chile on Tuesday in Santa Barbara. Rodman has 47 appearances and 11 goals with the national team, more than any other player on the latest roster. She played in one U.S. match last year, a 2-0 victory over Brazil in April, because of injuries.

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.”

Abhishek Sharma blasted 84 off 35 balls to power India to a commanding 48-run win over New Zealand in the first T20 of the five-match series on Wednesday. Riding on Sharma’s eight sixes and five fours, India posted 238-7, the third-highest T20 total against New Zealand. Captain Suryakumar Yadav added 32 off 22 balls, while Rinku Singh finished unbeaten on 44 off 20 deliveries to provide the late surge. After being sent in, India lost Sanju Samson (10) and Ishan Kishan (8) early, but Sharma counterattacked and raced to a 22-ball fifty. He shared a rapid 99-run stand off 47 balls with Yadav as India crossed 100 inside nine overs. Yadav fell in the 11th over, and Mitchell Santner (1-37) then helped slow India’s momentum. Ish Sodhi struck in the following over to remove Sharma, and India slipped to 185-6 in 15.4 overs. Hardik Pandya scored 25 off 16 balls, while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel made 9 and 5 respectively. Singh, however, held firm at the end and accelerated in the final overs to lift India to a daunting total. Kyle Jamieson (2-54) and Jacob Duffy (2-27) took two wickets each for New Zealand. BPL Qualifier: Rajshahi defend 165 to knock out Sylhet, will face Chattogram in final In reply, New Zealand’s chase stumbled early as Devon Conway fell for a two-ball duck and Rachin Ravindra made 1. Tim Robinson scored 21 before Varun Chakravarthy (2-37) dismissed him in the seventh over, leaving the visitors at 52-3. Glenn Phillips kept the chase alive with a 78 off 40 balls, adding 79 off 42 deliveries with Mark Chapman, who scored 39 off 24 balls. Phillips reached his fifty off 29 balls and benefited from a few fielding lapses before he was eventually caught off Axar Patel in the 14th over. Despite Daryl Mitchell’s 28 off 18 balls and Santner’s unbeaten 20 off 13, New Zealand finished on 190-7, falling well short of the target. Sylhet Titans elect to field against Rangpur in BPL eliminator The series serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, beginning Feb. 7. The second match will be played in Raipur on Friday.

Rajshahi Warriors stormed into the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), defeating the Sylhet Titans by 12 runs in a gripping second Qualifier on Wednesday. A stellar all-round bowling performance, led by Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando, dismantled Sylhet’s chase and set up a title clash against the Chittagong Royals, scheduled for Friday. Chasing a target of 166, Sylhet finished on 153 for 8, falling short despite valiant efforts from opener Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings. The chase began disastrously as Fernando struck early, removing Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam in a fiery opening spell. He finished with match-winning figures of 4 for 19 from his four overs. Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan was equally instrumental in the field, taking a record-breaking five catches—the most by any fielder in a single BPL innings. Sylhet’s hopes were kept alive by a 69-run partnership between Parvez (48 off 34) and Billings (37 off 26). However, a crucial run-out of Parvez in the 11th over shifted the momentum. Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, and despite the equation narrowing to 24 runs off the final over, Chris Woakes and Nasum Ahmed could not pull off a miracle. Earlier, Rajshahi posted a competitive 165 for 9 after being asked to bat first. New Zealand star Kane Williamson, making his BPL debut after arriving in Dhaka just this morning, anchored the innings with a composed 45 off 38 balls. He was supported by fellow Kiwi Jimmy Neesham, who finally found form with a 44 off 26 balls. The duo rescued Rajshahi from a precarious 80 for 5, adding 68 runs for the sixth wicket. Rajshahi’s innings had started briskly with Tanzid Hasan smashing three sixes in an over off Moeen Ali, but a middle-order collapse sparked by Sylhet captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took two wickets in two balls, threatened to derail them. Ultimately, the Kiwi pair’s resilience ensured Rajshahi had enough on the board to defend.

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

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will play for another club for the first time in 12 years after completing a loan move to Girona for the remainder of the season. The move comes at a crucial time for the 33-year-old German international, who is aiming to reclaim the No. 1 spot for Germany ahead of the upcoming World Cup after a long spell disrupted by injuries. Ter Stegen has featured just once for Barcelona this season, appearing against third-division side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey last month, as head coach Hansi Flick has preferred Joan García as his first-choice goalkeeper. His loan to Girona marks another turn in a turbulent season that began with a standoff between the player and Barcelona over a medical report required by the club to create salary-cap space. Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has since won six La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy with the club. At Girona, he is expected to start ahead of Argentina’s Paulo Gazzaniga. While ter Stegen was sidelined, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann relied on Oliver Baumann, who started all of Germany’s last six matches during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. Baumann has impressed at club level, captaining Hoffenheim to third place in the Bundesliga so far this season. Girona have already experienced World Cup-related goalkeeping issues this season. Last month, head coach Michel revealed that backup goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had sought a move elsewhere in pursuit of regular playing time to strengthen his case for Croatia’s World Cup squad.

Vinícius Júnior delivered a commanding performance with a goal and three assists as Real Madrid cruised to a 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, silencing fans who had booed him early in the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Brazilian forward was jeered by sections of the home crowd when his name was announced and during the opening minutes, but the reaction faded as he began to dominate the game. The boos had virtually disappeared by the time Vinícius scored his first Champions League goal of the season in the 63rd minute. “It’s been a very difficult few days,” Vinícius said after the match. “I want to be judged only for what I do on the pitch and for everything I’ve done for this club.” Vinícius assisted goals by Kylian Mbappé in the 26th minute and Franco Mastantuono in the 51st, and his cross forced an own goal by Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer in the 55th. He later scored himself with a precise finish into the top corner after beating two defenders. Mbappé had opened the scoring in the fifth minute and later embraced Vinícius in a show of support. The French forward now has 18 Champions League goals for Madrid, the most by any player in their first 20 appearances for the club. Vinícius avoided celebrating directly in front of the fans after scoring, instead hugging teammates and new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who praised the reconciliation between the player and supporters. “We are very happy to see Vini and the fans reconnect,” Arbeloa said. “He needs the Bernabéu, and the Bernabéu enjoys Vini.” Jude Bellingham added Madrid’s sixth goal in the 80th minute. The England midfielder, who had also been jeered in recent matches, celebrated with a playful gesture in response to criticism about his off-field lifestyle. Before kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of victims of a deadly train crash in southern Spain.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund has eased the immediate pressure on manager Thomas Frank, but many supporters remain unconvinced about his long-term future at the club. Goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke in the first half sealed the win on Tuesday night, ending Spurs’ run of three straight defeats in all competitions and putting them in a strong position to qualify automatically for the Champions League knockout stage. The result came just days after loud boos followed a late defeat against West Ham, with sections of the crowd chanting against Frank. Before kick-off against Dortmund, there were again jeers when the manager’s name was read out, though they turned into cheers at full-time. The victory is seen by many as buying Frank some time, but questions remain over whether it represents a turning point or merely a temporary reprieve. Several supporters said the improved first-half display was encouraging, but criticised a more cautious second-half approach that allowed Dortmund to control long spells of the game. Some fans said the performance did little to change their view, arguing that Spurs still lack consistency and a clear playing style. Others, however, felt the result showed signs of progress and belief that Frank could build on the win. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson said the performance suggested Frank still has the backing of his players. “What I saw was not a team that has lost the dressing room,” Robinson told BBC Radio. “That was a group of players who worked hard for their manager.” Frank also stressed the unity within the squad after the match. “The players are giving everything,” he said. “That is an extremely good sign about the culture. It shows we are together.” Tottenham’s season has so far been marked by contrasting fortunes, with struggles in the Premier League leaving them in 14th place, while their European form has been much stronger, with just one defeat in seven Champions League matches. Spurs face Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, a match that could again shape the mood around the club. Another win may strengthen Frank’s position, while a defeat is likely to reignite calls for change. “The big thing is to build on this with a performance and a win against Burnley,” Frank said. “We need to keep believing and keep doing the same things.”   With inputs from BBC

A captain’s knock from Mahedi Hasan has propelled the Chattogram Royals into the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), securing a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Rajshahi Warriors in the first Qualifier on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 134, Chattogram crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, thanks to Mahedi’s unbeaten cameo and a solid top-order performance. Needing 9 runs off the final over, Mahedi took charge against bowler Ripon Mondol. After a single on the first ball, the skipper hit a six over mid-off on the second delivery, effectively sealing the game. He finished the match on the third ball with a couple of runs, remaining unbeaten on 19 off just 9 balls. Earlier in the chase, Chattogram’s Mirza Baig led the innings with a crucial 45, the highest score for his side. Despite a sluggish start from opener Mohammad Naim, who consumed 38 balls for his 30 runs, timely boundaries from Hasan Nawaz kept the Royals in the hunt. Before his heroics with the bat, Mahedi delivered a match-defining spell with the ball. He claimed two key wickets for just 20 runs, dismissing Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim in consecutive deliveries in the ninth over, narrowly missing a hat-trick. Rajshahi, who opted to bat first, struggled to build momentum. Opener Tanzid Hasan top-scored with 41, while a late blitz from Sakib Saklain helped them post a respectable 133. However, the top order failed to fire, with key players like Sahirzada Farhan and Jimmy Neesham unable to convert their starts. Pacer Shoriful Islam continued his fine form, taking his season tally to 24 wickets, just one shy of Taskin Ahmed’s record. While Chattogram celebrates their spot in the final, Rajshahi remains in contention and will face the Sylhet Titans in the second Qualifier.