The leading 4.5G telecom service provider in the country, Robi Axiata Limited has become the proud title sponsor of the Bangladesh national cricket team on Friday (Feb 16). Through this partnership, Robi embarks on the second chapter of an illustrious journey alongside the Tigers, committing to support the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) till July 2027. The signing ceremony took place today at the BCB headquarters in Mirpur, attended by representatives from both organizations. Robi's Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rajeev Sethi, along with Chief Commercial Officer Shihab Ahmad, and concerned high officials from both entities were present. Following the formal signing, BCB's CEO, Nizamuddin Chowdhury Sujon, officially announced Robi as the sponsor in a press conference. Robi was associated with BCB as a sponsor from 2015 to 2018. During this period the national cricket team achieved the memorable feat of winning back-to-back ODI series against Pakistan, South Africa, and India. In 2016, the team became runners-up in the Asia Cup while in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Bangladesh made it to the semifinals of a major ICC event for the first time. Testament to the long-standing partnership, it was through the Robi-sponsored fast bowler hunt campaign that the current pace-bowling sensation Ebadot Hossain was discovered and later emerged as the star pacer he's now known as. Cricket holds an unparalleled place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh, always unifying the nation through any achievement in international cricket. Robi aspires to lead Bangladesh forward through cricket, echoing the brand motto, 'Believe, You Can' Robi's MD and CEO, Rajeev Sethi, stated, "Robi's name is now intertwined with many firsts" in Bangladesh cricket. We firmly believe that Robi's 'Believe, You Can' spirit will Lispire the Tigers to achieve even greater success on the global stage. Robi is proud to be associated with Bangladesh cricket and will always stand by them in their thrilling journey ahead." Welcoming Robi to this new venture with Bangladesh cricket, BCB's CEO, Nizam Uddin Chowdhury Sujon, said, "BCB is delighted to have Robi as the sponsor for the national team. Through this partnership, we anticipate reaching new heights in Bangladesh cricket in the days to come."

The symbol ties in with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's image as a former cricket star. His Tehreek-e-Insaf party believes a court ruling forcing them to lose the cricket bat will cost them during next month's vote. The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Saturday upheld a ruling stripping former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of its cricket bat symbol.  Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa announced the ruling on live television, saying the PTI had not held intraparty elections. Political parties in Pakistan must hold these elections in order to take part in the national election. In December, the Election Commission of Pakistan first announced the ban on PTI for using the symbol for the same reason. The PTI then challenged that decision in the nation's top court.    PTI on ruling: A 'sad day for democracy' "This, by far, is the worst decision impacting miillions of voters," PTI said in a statement after the ruling. PTI chairman Gohar Khan said the party's candidates will have to run as independents in the national elections.  PTI spokesman Zulfi Bukhari decried the ruling as a "sad day for democracy."  There are 241 million people in Pakistan, with many areas facing high illiteracy rates. Without the cricket bat symbol, party officials have said some Pakistanis might not be able to recognize PTI candidates on the ballot. PTI candidates will now have to choose individual symbols instead of all running under the cricket bat.  Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington DC-based Wilson Center think tank, said the Pakistani government is cracking down on PTI ahead of general elections on February 8.  "PTI leaders jailed. PTI electoral candidates' nomination papers denied. PTI online/rallies fundraisers blocked. Top PTI rival's legal woes melt away. SC justices perceived as siding with PTI step down. PTI denied use of election symbol," Kugelman wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "This is brazen, not subtle, pre-polls rigging."     Will the military decide Pakistan's next election? As of now, Pakistan is under a caretaker government ahead of the February elections.  PTI leader and former PM Imran Khan is currently behind bars and disqualified from running in next month's vote. Seventy-one-year-old Khan, who served as PM from 2018 to 2022, had a falling out with Pakistan's formidable military and accused a former army chief of trying to kill him.  Nawaz Sharif, who served as prime minister three times, is seen as the frontrunner in the upcoming vote after returning from exile. Sharif has been cleared of all legal charges against him and is believed to be backed by the Pakistani military. 

Australia has achieved a six-wicket win over the host of the World Cup, breaking India's winning streak of 10 matches. Opener Travis Head hit 137, propelling Australia towards victory. Australia on Sunday achieved its sixth Cricket World Cup victory in a six-wicket win over India. This year's host was India, with the final match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the western Gujarat state. A crowd of over 92,000 people attended the event. Australia has the most World Cup wins of any team. India's last global title was the 2013 Champions Trophy. Opener Travis Head hit 137, propelling Australia towards victory. Australia reached its target in 43 overs, breaking India's winning streak of 10 matches. India was held to a modest 240 total. In the group stage just six weeks ago, India was holding a slim lead. Australia was defeated by India on October 8 and then by South Africa days later. India star batsman Virat Kohli ended the Sunday match having set a new record for most runs — 765 — at a single World Cup. Australia celebrate 'very special' win Pat Cummins said captaining Australia in the World Cup was the "pinnacle in cricket" following the win. "That's huge, that's the pinnacle in cricket, winning a World Cup, especially here in India, and these are the moments you remember for the rest of your life," said Cummins. "I was a little bit nervous this morning, pacing around the hotel," he said. "You know you are walking into something very special." India coach Rahul Dravid hailed captain Rohit Sharma's "fantastic" performance despite the host country's loss. "His batting was fantastic, the way he set the tone for us. We knew we wanted to play a certain way and we wanted to play a positive attacking brand of cricket," Dravid told reporters. "And he was very committed to doing that." "He wanted to lead by example. I thought right through the tournament, he was quite superb in doing that. And yeah, I just can't speak more highly of him as a person and as a leader." He said that India would learn from the defeat. "That's sport. That happens. And the better team won on the day. I'm sure the sun will come up tomorrow morning. We'll learn from it. We'll reflect and move on, as will everyone else," he said.

Bangladesh tasted a seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan for their sixth straight losses in the ICC Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Tigers put up a mediocre 204 in 45.1 overs, a score that Pakistan effortlessly gunned down in 32.3 overs, losing just three wickets.  This was just fourth time Pakistan won an ODI World Cup game with over 100 balls to spare. Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in their next match in Delhi on November 6.

Bangladesh and the Netherlands will play against each other on October 28 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will also be the first match at Eden Gardens during this World Cup. The BAN vs. NL match will start at 2:30 pm on Saturday. In ODI matches, Bangladesh and the Netherlands have met twice. Out of these two games, Bangladesh won one, and the Netherlands emerged victorious in one match as well. Predicted XI for Bangladesh Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud. Predicted XI for Netherlands Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c)/(wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.      

Bangladesh and the Netherlands will play against each other on October 28 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will also be the first match at Eden Gardens during this World Cup. The BAN vs. NL match will start at 2:30 pm on Saturday. In ODI matches, Bangladesh and the Netherlands have met twice. Out of these two games, Bangladesh won one, and the Netherlands emerged victorious in one match as well. Predicted XI for Bangladesh Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud. Predicted XI for Netherlands Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (c)/(wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.      

Bangladesh continued its dismal show in the ICC Cricket World Cup by tasting a crushing 149-run defeat to South Africa for their fourth straight loss at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on October 24. Quinton de Kock hammered a brutal 174 off 140 and Henrich Klaasen smashed a marauding 49 ball-90, helping South Africa rack up a mammoth 382-5. Bangladesh were bowled out 233 in 46.4 overs after suffering yet another top order batting order collapse. Reports BSS  Bangladesh opened the World Cup with a six-wicket victory against Afghanistan but thereafter lost their game to England, New Zealand and hosts India, vastly due to their listless batting effort. After South Africa compiling a huge total, a huge defeat looked imminent and it was further hastened when they were slumped to 81-6. Mahmudullah Riyad then put up fight to help Bangladesh go past 200 and reduced the margin of the defeat. He helped himself with fourth ODI century, three of which came in the World Cup stage. Before being ninth batter out, he scored run-a-ball-111 with 11 fours and four sixes. Opener Liton Das's 22 was the next-best scorer for the side.   The defeat almost ruined Bangladesh's hopes to seal the semifinal spot, which was their primary target in this World Cup. Opener Quinton de Kock's knock, laced with 15 boundaries and seven sixes was the cornerstone of South African innings. While Klaasen provided the late impetus, stand in captain Aiden Markram's serene 60 was another notable contribution. Three days ago, South Africa posted 399-7 at this venue to beat England by record 229-run margin. Bangladesh raised a hope to restrict South Africa to a reasonable total by bowling tight line and length initially. South Africa won the all important toss but in the face of disciplined Bangladesh attack were left to 36-2 in eighth overs with Reeza Hendricks (12) and Rassie van der Dussen (1) being out cheaply. Pacer Shoriful swung one nicely to get the better of Hendricks who in the last match gave the team a flying start against England. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the wicket of Dussen who got a plumb, playing a turning delivery across the line. As Bangladesh looked over the moon, de Kock and Markram calmly accumulated runs to pave the platform of death over carnage. They shared 131-run for the third wicket before Shakib Al Hasan had Markram caught by Liton Das at long-off after the batter struck seven boundaries in his knock. Klassen joined de Kock and with the platform being set, the duo looked all set to go on berserk. But to Bangladesh's credit and Shakib's intelligent bowling change curbed their aggression. But the explosion finally came after 40th over as South Africa piled up 144 runs in the final 10 overs, which meant they went for mind-blowing 14.4 runs per over. Quinton de Kock was the initiator. After completing third century in the ongoing World Cup in just his fifth match off 101 balls, he later took just 39 balls to score the last 74 runs. His high-octane batting was instrumental in waking up natural hitter Klaasen as he joined the party to leave the bowlers at hell. As he looked set to convert his 20th ODI century to his double ton, de Kock was victimized by soft dismissal, slicing a full delivery off Hasan Mahmud to deep backward point. But Klaasen gave the final impetus as South African kept running hard. Klaasen hit two fours and eight towering sixes in his knock before being out in the last over by Hasan Mahmud. David Miller who ended with 15 ball-34 not out was the another aggressor to deepen Bangladesh's crisis. Hasan Mahmud took two wickets but gave away 67 runs in his six overs. In fact all of the Bangladesh bowlers leaked runs.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first in the Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday, October 23. Pakistan already have two wins and Afghanistan won a match from four. Playing XI Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shahen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad

India won by four-wicket victory over New Zealand and a fifth win in five matches at the World Cup on Sunday as Virat Kohli hits 95.   New Zealand batted first and scored 273, with Daryl Mitchell hitting the highest of 130 off 127 balls. Rachin Ravindra was the second-highest runs scorer for them with 75. New Zealand batted first and scored 273. In reply, India chased down the target in 48 overs. 

Australia Beat Pakistan by 62 runsAustralia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs as two batter of the winning team hit centuries on Friday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Warner and marsh made 164 and 121 respectively, a total of 367/9 in their 50 overs.  In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 305, after the previous loss against India.