Within a day after the BCB asked Bangladesh‘s Sports Ministry to shut down the investigation into Bangladesh’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, the Sports and Youth Minister announced that another parallel investigation committee would be formed to investigate the issue impartially before any conclusion is reached.

Bangladesh made a sudden boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup, which seemed to be the most impractical decision taken by the BCB in modern times. They dared to threaten the ICC for reasons and concerns that were nothing more than tantrums of the board, as they held a grudge against the hosting nation, India.

The ICC made several attempts to resolve the issue between the two nations, but the BCB remained stubborn. Ultimately, their demands were not met, and Bangladesh boycotted the ICC tournament, though it seemed that the players were willing to play the tournament. Scotland replaced them in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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I will form an inquiry committee- Bangladesh minister alerts BCB over T20 World Cup fiasco

After the national board had asked the Bangladesh Sports Ministry to shut down the investigations related to the boycott of the ICC T20 World Cup, their state minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has considered placing another investigation, this time through an impartial investigation committee, to verify whether the boycott was a result of diplomatic failure.

This would have shaken the stance of higher officials in the BCB, which might also include the BCB chairman, Aminul Islam Bulbul, who had played a major role in the boycott, as he had cited security concerns in India and demanded an unfair swap of venues just at the doorstep of a World Cup event.

Aminul Haque exposed the irregularities in the BCB elections

Alongside reviewing their diplomatic efficiency, the formation of this body also concerns the several complaints received from different stakeholders regarding irregularities in the previous BCB election.

“At this point, I would like to mention that during the previous government’s tenure, there was direct interference in the cricket board elections from the government’s side—something you are all aware of. I myself spoke about this several times back then,” he pointed out.

“But after we assumed responsibility, various complaints came in from stakeholders involved in cricket—from clubs and from district levels. Taking these into consideration, we formed an inquiry committee, and I am currently awaiting its report,” Aminul said.

He further continued, stating that several directives were issued to the inquiry committee through the NSC, and they have also been instructed to speak with every concerned authority, which includes the election commission and the current BCB president as well.

Bangladesh aims to resolve issues with the ICC ahead of the 2027 WC

Ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, Bangladesh are aiming to resolve its issues with India as well as the Jay Shah-led ICC. They had made several vile accusations at the ICC after their snub from the T20 World Cup and had accused them of being biased.

The questionable election process needs to be assessed by an impartial investigation, as per the report. Hence, the Sports Minister claimed that the committee has been working on this and he has been awaiting their report.

“I will review it, consult with the members of the inquiry committee, and also speak directly with the ICC before taking any further steps,” he added, implying that Bangladesh are now looking to sort their terms with the BCB.

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Zakat al Fitr 2026: Know The Exact Amount You Must Pay Before Eid. Are You Doing It Right?

As Ramadan 2026 draws to a close, one of the most important religious obligations for Muslims comes into focus and that is Zakat al Fitr. In 2026, with millions of residents across the UAE preparing for Eid ul Fitr, questions around the exact amount, timing and eligibility of this mandatory charity are once again trending.From official announcements to increased digital donation platforms, Zakat al Fitr is no longer just a ritual. It is a structured, regulated and widely discussed pillar of Ramadan observance.

What is Zakat al Fitr and why does it matter?

Zakat al Fitr, also known as Fitrana, is a compulsory form of charity that must be paid by every eligible Muslim before the Eid ul Fitr prayer. Unlike annual zakat on wealth, this obligation is directly tied to the completion of Ramadan fasting.Its purpose is twofold:

Crucially, it is not based on wealth accumulation over time but is a fixed contribution per person, making it one of the most inclusive forms of charity in Islam.

How much is Zakat al Fitr in 2026?

For Ramadan 2026, UAE authorities have standardised the Zakat Al Fitr amount at:

This uniform rate is based on extensive market studies conducted by authorities to reflect the current cost of essential food items across the country. The idea behind standardisation is simple. It is to ensure fairness across all donors, simplify calculations for families and guarantee adequate support for beneficiaries.While traditionally given in food form, modern practices widely accept cash payments, as they are often more practical and beneficial for recipients.

Who must pay Zakat al Fitr?

Zakat Al Fitr is not limited to high earners or the wealthy. It applies broadly across the Muslim community. According to Islamic rulings:

This means that a family of five, for instance, would pay Dh125 (approximately $34) in total. Importantly, the obligation applies regardless of gender, age or employment status, as long as the individual has enough resources beyond their basic needs.

When should you pay Zakat al Fitr 2026?

Timing is one of the most critical aspects of Zakat Al Fitr and also one of the most misunderstood. Authorities recommend that it be paid:

However, there is flexibility. It can be paid earlier during Ramadan to ensure timely distribution. It is strongly discouraged to delay it beyond Eid prayer. If paid after sunset on Eid day, it is no longer considered Zakat al Fitr in its true form but rather a delayed charity.This timing ensures that recipients receive assistance before Eid celebrations begin, allowing them to purchase food, clothing, and essentials in time.

Food or cash: What should you give on Eid ul Fitr 2026 as Zakat al Fitr?

While classical Islamic teachings emphasised giving staple food items like dates, barley, or wheat, contemporary rulings, especially in the UAE, allow for cash equivalents. Authorities have explicitly confirmed that:

This shift reflects a broader modernisation of charitable systems, aligning religious obligations with practical realities.

Where does the Zakat al Fitr money go?

Zakat Al Fitr is specifically meant for the poor and needy, ensuring they can participate in Eid celebrations. In the UAE, authorities strongly encourage donations through approved and regulated channels, such as:

This ensures transparency in distribution, proper identification of beneficiaries and prevention of misuse. The rise of digital payment platforms has further streamlined the process, allowing residents to donate instantly and even track how their contributions are used.

Why Zakat al Fitr is trending in 2026

This year, Zakat Al Fitr has gained heightened attention for several reasons:

Zakat al Fitr vs Zakat al Mal: Know the difference

A common confusion during Ramadan is between Zakat Al Fitr and Zakat Al Mal (annual zakat on wealth).Here’s the key difference:

Zakat al Fitr is mandatory for all eligible individuals, while Zakat al Mal depends on wealth thresholds and asset ownership. Beyond individual obligation, Zakat al Fitr plays a powerful socio-economic role. By requiring every financially capable Muslim to contribute, even a small amount, it ensures wealth circulation within society, immediate relief for vulnerable communities and a shared sense of responsibility during Ramadan.It is, in essence, a micro-level redistribution system, one that operates annually but delivers immediate impact during one of the most significant Islamic festivals. Zakat Al Fitr may be simple in calculation but its significance runs deep. For Ramadan 2026, the key takeaways are clear: pay Dh25 (around $7) per person or equivalent food and ensure that the payment is made before Eid prayer.In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, this centuries-old obligation continues to serve as a reminder of compassion, accountability and collective care. As Eid ul Fitr approaches, the message is simple: no celebration is complete until everyone can celebrate.

England’s Ollie Pope bats on day two of the first Ashes cricket test match between Australia and England in Perth. (AP)

England batter Ollie Pope has responded to criticism following his side’s Ashes defeat in Australia, saying the perception that the team “weren’t fussed” is not accurate, while accepting why that view took hold among fans and experts.England, led by Ben Stokes, lost the 2025/26 Ashes series 4-1 to Australia cricket team. The tour is still under review by the England and Wales Cricket Board.Apart from results on the field, the tour also drew attention due to reports around team culture. During a break in Noosa, there were claims of players drinking heavily. There were also reports that vice-captain Harry Brook had an altercation with a nightclub bouncer during a pre-series visit to New Zealand.

Pope said the team remained focused on winning the Ashes and pointed to the first Test in Perth as a key moment.“Going into that series, there was a lot spoken about the preparation of it,” Pope told reporters. “As a team, the misconception might be that we weren’t as fussed as it came across.”Speaking at Surrey’s media day, the 28-year-old said the outcome of the opening Test shaped the narrative.“The tough thing for everyone in that first game (Test) was the nature of it. Had we won that, and we’d done slightly better on day two, the idea is different.“Of course we want to be a well-liked team, on and off the pitch, and unfortunately our performance didn’t allow that to happen in Australia.”“I can understand why people felt that way, but at the same time the perception that we weren’t fussed was probably the hard thing. All we wanted to do was go and win the Ashes…All anyone wanted to do was to win,” Pope said.“And for us at times it was just trying to, in our minds, take the pressure off the actual Test match.”Even before the series began, questions were raised about England’s preparation in Australian conditions. Their build-up included a three-day match against England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth.“As we’ve done over the previous years, we tried to treat it like a normal series to get the best out of ourselves,” Pope said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t quite go to plan.”He added: “I know what I need to be as ready as I can be. From a personal point, I felt as ready as I could have been for that first Test.”Pope was dropped after the third Test, having averaged 20.83 across the first three matches. Jacob Bethell replaced him and scored a century in the fifth Test in Sydney.Despite the setback, Pope said he is focused on returning to the side.“I still feel like my best batting years are to come.”He was speaking after the ECB reversed a plan to restrict Ashes players from speaking to the media ahead of the county season while the review of the tour continues.