Mustafizur Rahman; Tamim Iqbal

A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official’s comment calling former captain Tamim Iqbal “an Indian agent” has drawn criticism from players in the country. Tamim, one of Bangladesh’s leading openers, had advised the BCB not to be driven by emotion while deciding on the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup in India. Nazmul, chairman of the BCB finance committee, made the remark in a Facebook post.

“This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent,” he wrote. The post received immediate backlash from former and current cricketers, including Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque, and Taijul Islam. The Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) also expressed concern. “A comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal has come to the attention of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh. We are stunned, shocked, and outraged by it. Such a remark by a board official about the most successful opener in Bangladesh’s history, who represented the country for 16 years, is utterly condemnable.” “Not only because it concerns a player like Tamim, but such comments about any cricketer of the country are unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricketing community,” the players’ body said in a statement. The 36-year-old Tamim played 70 Tests, 243 ODIs, and 78 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh. “We strongly protest against this comment. When a responsible board director makes such remarks on a public platform, it also raises serious questions about the code of conduct of board officials,” CWAB said. “We have already submitted a protest letter to the BCB president, demanding a public apology from the concerned board director and that he be brought under accountability. We hope the BCB president will take appropriate action as soon as possible,” the statement added. Bangladesh had written to the International Cricket Council requesting their T20 World Cup games be moved out of India after the BCCI asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the 2026 edition. “Cricket is the life of Bangladesh. A recent comment surrounding a former national captain who has made a major contribution to the game has caused many to reflect,” said pacer Taskin. “I believe that such remarks directed at a former cricketer of the country are not helpful in the interest of Bangladesh cricket. I hope the concerned authorities will consider the matter seriously and adopt a more responsible stance in the future,” he added. In 2007, Tamim’s half-century had helped Bangladesh eliminate India from the ODI World Cup in the Caribbean. Former Bangladesh captain Mominul said Nazmul’s remarks were unacceptable. “The comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal is completely unacceptable and insulting to the country’s cricketing community. Such behaviour towards a cricketer is in direct conflict with the board’s responsibility and ethics,” Mominul said. “A senior cricketer was not given even the minimum respect; instead, he was deliberately humiliated in public. Such remarks show a lack of even basic decorum regarding where and how to speak while holding such a high responsibility. “I strongly condemn this comment and firmly demand a public apology from the concerned director and that he be brought under accountability. I call upon the BCB to take swift and strict action,” he added.

Tamim Iqbal has urged Bangladesh Cricket Board to avoid being driven by “public emotion”.

NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to tread carefully amid the uncertainty over the national team’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup in India, warning that decisions taken in haste and driven by “public emotion” could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh cricket.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Bangladesh have expressed reluctance to travel to India for the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7, and have sought a venue shift to co-host Sri Lanka citing security concerns. The issue escalated after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released from his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on instructions of the BCCI, citing unspecified reasons, amid reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

“The situation is a bit critical at the moment, and making a sudden comment right now is difficult,” Tamim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “But one thing you must keep in mind is that many issues can often be resolved through dialogue if everyone comes together.”Tamim stressed that the broader standing and future of Bangladesh cricket must remain central to any decision. “You have to consider where Bangladesh stands in world cricket and what the future of Bangladesh cricket could be and then make decisions accordingly,” he said.READ ALSO: ‘Ball in Bangladesh’s court’: Indian govt assures warm welcome to all nations for T20 World CupHis comments come at a time when sports ministry advisor Asif Nazrul has taken a hard-line stance on a venue change, invoking national pride, while reports suggest the Aminul Islam Bulbul-led BCB is not entirely aligned internally.“We consider the Bangladesh Cricket Board an independent body,” Tamim said. “Of course, the government plays a very big role, and discussions with the government are necessary. But if we consider the BCB an independent body, then it must also have the authority to make its own decisions.”

Tamim cautioned against reacting to crowd sentiment. “Public opinion will always vary. When we play, spectators say many things driven by emotion. But if you start making decisions based on all that, you cannot run such a big organisation,” he said. “Today’s decisions will have an impact ten years down the line.”The 36-year-old also criticised the stream of daily public statements from officials. “After taking a final decision and completing internal discussions, that decision should then be communicated publicly,” he said. “If you announce every step publicly, it creates unnecessary uncertainty.”Tamim concluded by urging calm and clarity. “Whatever the final decision is, I only hope that Bangladesh cricket’s interests are prioritised above everything else.”

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 officially launched today, January 9, 2026, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai with a high-stakes encounter between two heavyweights. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first, identifying the heavy dew as a critical factor that would favor the chasing side.

The season opener is marked by a massive shift in team dynamics, with both sides missing iconic veterans and blooding new talent. RCB has entered the fray with a bold, all-rounder-heavy lineup featuring six debutants, including high-profile overseas recruits like Grace Harris and Lauren Bell. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), are looking to maintain their dominance despite being forced into late changes to their core combination. The atmosphere at the stadium remains electric as the league embarks on a new chapter, following a glamorous opening ceremony that celebrated the ‘Unstoppable Rise’ of women’s cricket.

WPL 2026, MI vs RCB: Reason behind the star all-rounder’s Hayley Matthews’ absence

In a significant blow to the defending champions just moments before the toss, Mumbai revealed that their star West Indian all-rounder Hayley Matthews would miss the opening clash. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Matthews, who has been the ‘engine’ of MI’s success over the past three seasons, was ruled out after falling unwell.

Her absence forced a tactical reshuffle, leading to a maiden WPL cap for Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey, who steps in to provide balance with her seam bowling and middle-order batting. Beyond her cricketing contributions, Matthews’ presence at the top of the order is a major miss for Mumbai, as she was instrumental in both of their previous title wins. The team management expressed hope for her quick recovery, but for the opening night, the onus shifted to the remaining veteran core of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr to fill the massive void left by the Caribbean superstar.

Also WATCH: WPL 2026 opening ceremony turns electric as Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Harnaaz Sandhu steal the show

WPL 2026: RCB’s new look and MI’s teenage sensation

The opening match has become a platform for a new generation, most notably featuring the debut of teenage sensation G Kamalini for Mumbai. The Under-19 World Cup winner and recent India debutant has been thrust into the spotlight, slotted to open the innings alongside the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt. On the opposite side, the Ellyse Perry-less RCB, with Perry notably pulling out of the season due to personal reasons, has undergone a total transformation.

They handed out six debuts, including overseas stars Harris, Bell and Linsey Smith, alongside Indian recruits like Radha Yadav and D Hemalatha. RCB’s lineup is uniquely structured, loaded with five all-rounders but appearing light on traditional batting depth, leaving Richa Ghosh with the heavy responsibility of anchoring the middle order at No. 4. With so many fresh faces on both sides, the season opener is less about past rivalries and more about which new-look squad can adapt to the pressure of the big stage first.

Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

NEW DELHI: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has made a strong case for Shreyas Iyer’s immediate inclusion in the T20I squad, insisting the middle-order batter should be the “automatic” replacement for Tilak Varma, who has been ruled out of the opening matches of the series against New Zealand due to an abdominal injury.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tilak’s absence has opened up a key slot in India’s middle order ahead of a packed white-ball calendar and the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. With India in need of stability and experience in the middle order, Chopra believes the selectors need not look too far.

“Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically,” Chopra said on X. “He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote.”Backing his argument further, Chopra pointed out that India do not require additional openers. “India does not need an opener. So no Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. India need a middle-order batter,” he said, underlining why Iyer stands out as the most logical choice.

Chopra did acknowledge alternative options but placed them firmly behind Iyer. “Riyan Parag could also be one candidate. He was part of the T20I side before and can also bowl. If India is looking for a multi-skilled player, Parag could be that guy,” Chopra said. “But my vote is for Shreyas Iyer. I would place Parag at No.2.” Jitesh Sharma, he added, might have an outside chance, though India “do not need three wicketkeepers” in the squad.Meanwhile, the BCCI has confirmed that Tilak Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 7. He was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning and is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad on Friday. The board said the batter is currently stable and progressing well.

NEW DELHI: In a significant escalation of govt’s anti-narcotic approach, home minister Amit Shah on Friday announced a three-year war on drugs – set to commence on March 31 this year. Chairing the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, Shah reframed the drug menace as a matter of “narco-terrorism” rather than a mere law-and-order or crime issue, labelling it a strategic conspiracy to “destroy the country’s future generations”. To cement this offensive, Shah directed all govt departments to finalise a comprehensive “Drug-Free India” roadmap by 2029. “As India targets 2047 for its centenary of independence, the administration views this upcoming three-year window as a critical inflection point to purge the nation’s social fabric of narcotics and secure the health and performance of its youth,” he said. Shah also informed that between 2014 and 2025, India seized drugs worth over Rs 1.71 lakh crore, a massive jump from the Rs 40,000 crore seized in the preceding decade. To sustain this momentum, the home ministry has now mandated the use of AI and advanced forensics to increase conviction rates and track evolving digital payment models used by international cartels. The minister asked officials to focus on the “ruthless” dismantling of supply chains and the financial backbones of drug kingpins. The central pillar of the 2026-2029 campaign is a “three-pronged” tactical approach involving a merciless crackdown on traffickers, a strategic push for demand reduction through awareness, and a humane, medical-first approach for harm reduction among users. “There should be no leniency for those who manufacture and sell drugs, but a humane approach must be adopted toward those who have fallen into usage,” Shah said, clarifying govt’s clear policy distinction between victims and perpetrators. He also directed state DGPs to transition into “mission mode,” creating permanent specialised teams to monitor intelligence and coordinate drug destruction efforts. By integrating Forensic Science Laboratories more deeply into the investigative process, govt aims at ensuring timely chargesheets and higher conviction rates. The deliberations also centered on the escalating challenges of darknet-based drug commerce and the illicit use of cryptocurrency. Shah emphasised that the anonymity of these digital platforms necessitates advanced technological interventions, including the deployment of darknet analysis tools and machine learning models to trace anonymous transactions and secure the country’s borders against cyber-enabled trafficking. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to disrupting the financial lifelines of narco-terror networks. The stakeholders discussed a “360-degree investigation” model, which integrates traditional law enforcement with forensic financial audits to target hawala operations and freeze assets tied to the drug trade.

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest rally in Kolkata on Friday against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a day after the central agency conducted raids at the office of political consultancy I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Partik Jain.The rally was held near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur, where a large number of TMC leaders and workers gathered, raising slogans against the alleged misuse of central agencies. Heavy police deployment was seen in the area.

The protest followed ED searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. The TMC alleged that the agency attempted to access the party’s internal data and election strategy during the raids.Read also: ‘Unmanageable crowd’ – Calcutta HC adjourns ED plea seeking FIR against Mamata Banerjee; hearing on likely Jan 14Earlier, TMC leaders claimed they were forcibly removed while staging a protest against the ED action. Party leaders accused the police of preventing a peaceful demonstration.The rally was held near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur, where a large number of TMC leaders and workers gathered, raising slogans against the alleged misuse of central agencies. Heavy police deployment was seen in the area.The protest followed ED searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. The TMC alleged that the agency attempted to access the party’s internal data and election strategy during the raids.Earlier, TMC leaders claimed they were forcibly removed while staging a protest against the ED action. Party leaders accused the police of preventing a peaceful demonstration.The issue also triggered protests in Delhi on Friday, where several TMC MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained while protesting near Kartavya Bhavan. Police said prohibitory orders were in force in the area due to security concerns.The TMC accused the Union government of misusing the ED to intimidate opposition parties and announced protests across West Bengal and at the national level.Also read: Mahua, Derek dragged away from outside Amit Shah’s office; TMC MPs protest over I-PAC raidThe ED said it is investigating the Prashant Kishor-founded I-PAC, whose official website mentions both the Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government as clients, in a 2020 money laundering case linked to a coal scam. On Thursday, ED searched I-PAC’s office in the tech hub of Sector V in Salt Lake and the central Kolkata home of its director, Pratik Jain.“Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner until the arrival of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, along with a large number of police officials,” the ED complaint says. “She took away key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. These actions resulted in obstruction of the ongoing investigation and proceedings under the PMLA,” the complaint adds.Mamata, who described Thursday’s raids as “a vendetta crime,” visited Jain’s Loudon Street apartment around noon and stayed there for about seven minutes before leaving with a green folder, a hard drive, and a mobile phone.ED officials had split into three groups and reached Jain’s home, I-PAC’s Sector V office, and another businessman’s home in north Kolkata’s Posta between 6:05 am and 6:30 am. Only two employees were present at the I-PAC office at the time, while Jain was at home with his family.