Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Shakib Al Hasan: the 'nucleus' of Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan will need to fire with bat and ball if Bangladesh are to achieve their ambition of reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.

The side's 32-year-old talisman is top of the one-day international all-rounder rankings, with more than 5,700 runs and 249 wickets to his name.


Shakib, an attacking middle-order batsman and canny left-arm spinner, is arguably one of the only players in world cricket who would justify his place in the team as either a specialist bowler or batsman after the retirement of South Africa's Jacques Kallis.

Preparing to play his 199th ODI, he is just one wicket away from joining a select group of all-rounders, including Kallis and Shahid Afridi of Pakistan, who have completed the double of 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODI cricket.

The former skipper has been central to Bangladesh's successes in recent years, injecting a belief into the former whipping boys of world cricket, who are currently seventh in the ODI rankings.

And he always gives Bangladesh the advantage of playing an extra bowler or batsman.

But he has also had his run-ins with the Bangladesh Cricket Board down the years, and in April missed the official World Cup squad picture after leaving the Shere Bangla stadium in Dhaka before the photo session took place.

"It is disappointing, what else can I say?" said BCB president Nazmul Hasan. "He didn't turn up for training but we hoped for his presence in the photo session."

Nevertheless, no one disputes Shakib's importance to Bangladesh's fortunes, with former captain Raqibul Hasan saying: "He is the nucleus of our team, making up about 30 to 40 percent of the team.

"How far Bangladesh can go in the World Cup will largely depend on his performance. His batting, bowling and even his fielding -- everything is absolutely crucial for Bangladesh in every game, every tournament they play."

Vice-captain Shakib will also carry vital experience into the World Cup after playing in three previous editions, one as a captain in 2011, where he led the side to a victory against England.

With an ageing Mashrafe Mortaza expected to retire after the tournament, Shakib will likely return to the helm of Bangladesh's one-day side once again.

But first he will be focused on inspiring his side with bat and ball.

More For You

uk-railways-iStock

The package includes £415 million to upgrade the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, a route affected by delays and disruptions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Government announces £1.7 bn transport investment for the North

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a £1.7 billion investment to improve transport infrastructure across the North, focusing on buses, roads, and rail.

The funding aims to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity across the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
 20 Years of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – A TV Legacy That Lives On

20 years of love, loss, and unforgettable moments—Grey’s Anatomy continues to define TV drama

Pinterest

20 years of 'Grey’s Anatomy': The show that became a lifeline

For someone who has always craved fast-paced crime shows, I never thought I’d care about a hospital drama. The scrubs, the medical jargon, the beeping monitors, it all felt distant, clinical. But life breaks you open when you least expect it. I started Grey’s Anatomy on a night when my own grief was too loud. I needed noise to fill the silence. Then Meredith Grey’s voice cut through:

“So, do it. Decide.
Is this the life you want to live?
Is this the person you want to love?
Is this the best you can be?
Can you be stronger? Kinder?
More compassionate? Decide.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL 2025 – GT vs MI: Who Will Secure Their First Win

Both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025

Getty

IPL 2025 - GT vs MI: Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians aim for first win

The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.

Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Different Days? 3 Key Reasons

Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next

iStock

3 reasons why Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days

Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.

Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir-Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer’s communications chief Matthew Doyle resigns after nine months

KEIR STARMER’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. Doyle, a Labour veteran who previously worked for Tony Blair, joined Starmer’s team as communications director four years ago when the party was in opposition.

His departure follows that of Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who left in the autumn. Doyle’s exit is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery), according to the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less