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  • “How to Watch the Club World Cup Online”

    “How to Watch the Club World Cup Online”

    The FIFA Club World Cup has officially kicked off today in the United States, featuring a record 32 teams. The tournament began with a high-voltage clash between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s top club, Al Ahly. The final is scheduled for July 13.

    For the first time in history, 32 clubs from around the world are participating in the Club World Cup, making it a truly global football festival. The opening match featuring Messi’s Inter Miami against African powerhouse Al Ahly already reflects the magnitude of the tournament — it’s not just a fight for a trophy, it’s the celebration of world football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino even compared the event to the first-ever World Cup in 1930, calling it “not just a tournament, but the beginning of a new era in football.”

    How to Watch Online (from Bangladesh):

    All matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 can be streamed free of charge online for viewers in Bangladesh.

    Website: Visit www.dazn.com

    Mobile App: Download the DAZN app from the App Store or Google Play Store and watch live matches for free.

  • SWAT Drill for Security Ahead of Bangladesh-Singapore Match

    SWAT Drill for Security Ahead of Bangladesh-Singapore Match

    On June 4, the Bangladesh-Bhutan match took place, but the security of that game has repeatedly come under question. The primary reason was the chaos that erupted at various points during the match. To prevent similar incidents during the upcoming match against Singapore, the police SWAT force conducted a drill today at the National Stadium.

    During the Bhutan match, spectators broke through the main gate and entered the stadium. Even during the match, there was disorder, with fans climbing over the front barriers of the gallery and entering the field. As a result, serious concerns were raised about match security. Learning from those events, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has taken extra precautions for the Singapore game, scheduled for June 10 as part of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

    Bangladesh Police’s special unit SWAT will be stationed in and around the stadium. On Monday, the SWAT team conducted a security drill at the National Stadium. This unit will also oversee security and maintain order on match day. Speaking to the media on Sunday, BFF’s Competition Committee Chairman Golam Gaus said, “Today, the match commissioner along with others inspected the stadium and its various gates. Tomorrow at 11 a.m., the SWAT team will conduct a drill at the stadium. We are also in constant contact with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).”

  • Ponting’s Simple Answer to Preity’s Question: “Sit Next to Me and See”

    Ponting’s Simple Answer to Preity’s Question: “Sit Next to Me and See”

    The IPL 2025 season has come to an end. Despite coming close, disappointment once again loomed over Punjab Kings. Team owner Preity Zinta’s dream of IPL glory remained just that—a dream. Following the season, Punjab Kings’ coach Ricky Ponting and owner Preity Zinta sat down for a private discussion. Their conversation went beyond just cricket, touching on several off-field topics.

    Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was known for his aggressive demeanor on the field. But as a coach, he appears to be quite the opposite—calm and composed. Preity brought this contrast into the conversation, asking how someone so aggressive as a player can remain so cool and composed in the dugout.

    Preity asked, “You were so aggressive on the field, but how do you remain so calm and composed in the dugout?”

    Ponting replied with a smile, saying it’s not entirely true. He said, “You’ll have to come sit next to me in the dugout one day. Then you’ll see that I’m not always calm. Look, I am a bit of an aggressive person—especially when it comes to cricket.”

    He added, “Outside of cricket, I laugh, chat with people, have coffee—I do everything. But once the cricket starts, my only focus is to get the best performance out of the team.”

    Perhaps it is this very mindset of Ponting that helped lead Punjab Kings to the final this season.

  • India Reappoints Coach at Rohit’s Request

    India Reappoints Coach at Rohit’s Request

    T. Dilip had been removed from the Indian team’s coaching panel. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now reappointed him as the fielding coach.

    According to Indian media reports, it was at Rohit Sharma’s request that Gautam Gambhir brought Dilip back into the team. The board has already reinstated him as fielding coach, initially on a one-year contract. Although the board was originally seeking a foreign fielding coach, they couldn’t find a suitable candidate, which led to Dilip’s return. A BCCI source stated, “We have appointed Dilip for one year. He will travel with the team to England.”

    During Rahul Dravid’s tenure, Dilip played a significant role as the fielding coach and had also worked with Gambhir for about a year. Although his contract was supposed to run until May, he was dismissed after the Australia series. Abhishek Nayar and some other support staff members were also let go.

    It was rumored that Dilip and Abhishek lost their jobs because they were favored by Rohit Sharma. While Abhishek returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Dilip didn’t join any team. Now it is being reported that after retiring from Test cricket, Rohit personally requested the board and Gambhir to bring Dilip back. Following discussions between Gambhir and BCCI officials, the decision to reappoint Dilip was finalized.

  • Fahhamidul arrives in Dhaka to join the national team camp

    Fahhamidul arrives in Dhaka to join the national team camp

    The national team camp for the June window will begin on May 30. To take part in that camp, Fahhamidul Islam arrived in Bangladesh two days earlier. He landed in Dhaka at 8:00 AM today.

    He arrived at Shahjalal International Airport from Rome, Italy, around 8:00 AM. Many football fans had gathered at the airport since early morning to welcome him. The 18-year-old Fahhamidul, who plays in Italy’s fourth-tier professional league Serie D, had previously been called up for the national team camp held in Saudi Arabia. However, during the preparations for the match against India in March, he was unable to stay with the team and returned to Italy midway. His departure sparked various rumors and controversies. At the time, many alleged that he was not given a place in the team due to a ‘syndicate’ within the squad. However, coach Javier Cabrera made it clear, saying, “I personally called him to the camp and I was the one who dropped him.”

    Now, after getting a second opportunity with the national team, a thrilled Fahhamidul expressed his readiness to give his utmost for the national jersey. Upon arriving in Dhaka, he received a warm welcome from football fans at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Later, with the help of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) authorities, he checked into the InterContinental Hotel.

    Spanish national team coach Cabrera is set to begin the preliminary camp on May 31. At the same time, he is also keeping an eye on Canada-based Samit Som. BFF Vice President Fahad Karim confirmed that Samit will arrive in Dhaka early on June 4. However, since there is a friendly match against Bhutan on the same day, it is unlikely he will play in that match. The coach is mainly considering Samit for the match against Singapore.

    Meanwhile, in Group ‘C’ of the qualifiers, all four teams currently have one point each. Bangladesh’s match against India and the Singapore–Hong Kong match both ended in goalless draws. As a result, the importance of the upcoming matches has increased significantly.

  • “Great Opportunity to Win the Pakistan Series” – Simmons

    “Great Opportunity to Win the Pakistan Series” – Simmons

    Bangladesh recently lost a series 2-1 against the UAE. Right after that, the team traveled to Pakistan. Head coach Phil Simmons believes that the defeat against an associate nation like the UAE will serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh in the Pakistan series.

    Despite the setback, Simmons says the team’s morale remains high. “The morale is great, they’re in a very good mindset. I believe we have a great chance to win this series. People are saying Pakistan is not in great form right now. But what really matters is what happens on the day. I think we have a strong opportunity to win the series,” he said.

    Australia’s World Cup-winning pacer Shaun Tait has joined the Bangladesh coaching staff with this series. About Tait’s inclusion, Simmons commented, “I think Shaun Tait is a fantastic addition — not just for the bowlers, but for the whole team.”

    Two members of Bangladesh’s coaching staff, Shaun Tait and Mushtaq Ahmed, were involved in coaching roles in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL). Tait was with Karachi Kings, while Mushtaq served as the spin bowling coach for Peshawar Zalmi. Simmons plans to rely on their knowledge for planning this series.

    He said, “We’ve just arrived, and we’ll assess the conditions. Shaun has just joined us — he was in the PSL. Mushtaq was also in the PSL. We’ll gather insights from them and make decisions accordingly.”

    Pakistan’s squad for this series is missing experienced players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. But Simmons is focused on the players who are in the squad rather than those who are absent.

    Bangladesh last defeated Pakistan in T20 cricket back in 2016. Simmons believes this could be the best opportunity to break that drought. “I’m not sure if this is the best time to beat Pakistan in T20s, but it’s definitely the time for us to play our best. If we play well, we can win the series. But Pakistan is always a dangerous side. Nothing can be taken for granted.”

  • Ancelotti Explains Neymar’s Omission from Brazil Squad

    Ancelotti Explains Neymar’s Omission from Brazil Squad

    Carlo Ancelotti has announced his first squad as the head coach of the Brazil national team, and it features some surprises. Notably absent is Brazil’s all-time top scorer, Neymar. However, Ancelotti clarified that even though Neymar isn’t in this squad, he remains very much in his plans.

    Explaining Neymar’s omission, Ancelotti said, “I’ve tried to select players who are currently in form. Neymar has recently been injured. Everyone knows Neymar is an extremely important player for Brazil. He is always part of our plans and will continue to be.”

    Neymar’s absence has opened the door for Tottenham’s Richarlison and Manchester United’s Casemiro, both of whom have returned to the national team for the first time since October 2023. Casemiro, the Manchester United midfielder, is among those making a comeback. Also returning to the squad are Antony, who is currently on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United, and forward Richarlison of Tottenham. Like Casemiro, Richarlison is also receiving his first call-up since October 2023.

    The squad also includes 21-year-old Andrey Santos, who is on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea and has been in great form this season. On the other hand, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson have been left out. The goalkeepers named are Alisson Becker, Bento, and Corinthians’ Hugo Souza.

    Brazil has yet to secure a spot in the World Cup. The team is currently fourth in the South American qualifiers group with five losses in 14 matches.

  • BCB’s Statement on Shakib’s Return to the National Team

    BCB’s Statement on Shakib’s Return to the National Team

    Shakib Al Hasan last played for the national team against India in late 2023. During that tour, he announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is. He had expressed a desire to play his final Test match on home soil, but due to unfavorable circumstances, that couldn’t happen. Since the political change in the country, he has remained abroad and has not been able to return. Following that, the former Tigers captain was sidelined due to a bowling ban.

    Shakib recently made his return to cricket through the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Although his team Lahore Qalandars became champions, the star Bangladeshi all-rounder could not deliver a standout performance. This has raised questions about his potential return to the national team.

    On Monday (May 26), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Media Committee Chairman Iftikhar Rahman Mithu attended an event. When asked whether the chapter with Shakib is closed for BCB, he replied:

    “Absolutely not. But considering our current team management and setup — plus this was Shakib’s first tournament (PSL) after correcting his action — it’s something we’ll have to observe going forward. But one thing is certain, he’s a world-class player.”

    He added, “He (Shakib) is a valuable asset for any team. So, he’s always under the consideration of our team management and selectors. Since this is his first couple of matches after action correction, let him play a few more games, then we can give a clearer answer.”

  • Brazil Football Federation Gets a New President

    Brazil Football Federation Gets a New President

    Two new chapters have begun in Brazilian football. Italian Carlo Ancelotti has taken charge as the first foreign coach in Brazil’s history. Meanwhile, Ednaldo Rodrigues has been removed by a Brazilian court. On Sunday (May 25), Samir Daou was elected as the new president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

    According to news agency Reuters, Samir Daou is the new president of Brazilian football. Until recently, the position was held by Rodrigues. However, due to a corruption allegation dating back three years, a court in Rio de Janeiro dismissed him on May 16. As a result, he lost his position as board chief, and other board members were also removed. The court then appointed Fernando Sarney as interim president. Now, Brazil has a permanent head again.

    Samir previously served as the president of the Roraima State Football Federation. He was the sole candidate in the CBF election and received 101 out of 143 possible votes. After being elected as the 26th president, Samir stated in a press release: “We have ushered in a new era at the CBF. Innovation and the full development of sports will be the hallmark of our administration.”

  • League Schedule Adjusted for Hamza’s Training Camp

    League Schedule Adjusted for Hamza’s Training Camp

    The Asian Cup qualifier between Bangladesh and Singapore is set to take place on June 10 in Dhaka. Anticipation is running high among Bangladeshi football fans, particularly because the match could feature both Hamza Choudhury and Samit Som. The growing presence of expatriate players has rekindled interest in football among local sports enthusiasts.

    Ahead of the crucial match against Singapore, the national team is scheduled to play a friendly match against Bhutan on June 4. To begin preparations promptly, the Bangladesh Premier League schedule has been adjusted. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had initially planned to start the national training camp on May 31. However, with four league matches moved up, the camp will now begin a day earlier, on May 30.

    As the matches involving eight teams will conclude on May 27, those players will get two days of rest before joining the national camp — a move that will aid their preparation.

    Originally, the final five matches of the Bangladesh Premier League’s last round were scheduled for May 29. BFF has now brought forward four of those matches to May 27, while the match between Chittagong Abahani and Fortis FC will still be held on May 29.

    The revised schedule, signed by BFF President Tabith Awal and League Committee Chairman and Senior Vice-President Imrul Hassan, has already been sent to the clubs.