The Australia Women's Cricket team will arrive in Bangladesh on March 17 for their first ever tour here.  The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today announced the itinerary for Australia women's tour which includes three ODIs and three T20 internationals.  The ODI series is a part of the 2022-25 ICC Women's Championship. The teams have previously only faced each other in ICC events-once in 2022 World Cup and twice in T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2023.  This will however be the first ever bilateral series between the two sides.  All of the matches of their tour in Bangladesh will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The three ODIs are slated to be held on March 21, 24 and 27 and all of the matches will start from 9.30 AM. The three T20 Internationals are scheduled on March 31, April 2 and 4. The T20 matches will start at 12 PM. The Australian team will depart the country on April 5.  Source: BSS  

The OceanGate Expeditions company said that it was "mobilizing all options" to locate a submersible vehicle that set out to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. A submarine on a tourism expedition to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has gone missing off the coast of southeastern Canada, the private company that operates the vessel said on Monday. OceanGate Expeditions said in a brief statement issued to the BBC and other media that it had lost contact with the submarine and was "mobilizing all options" to rescue those on board. The regional branch of the US Coast Guard said that it was seeking a submersible vehicle in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere around the site of the Titanic shipwreck. "A US Coast Guard C-130 crew is searching for an overdue Canadian research submarine approximately 900 miles off Cape Cod," USCG Northeast said. It said a Canadian plane with underwater detection capabilities was assisting in the search. "The US Coast Guard is searching for a 21-foot submersible from the Canadian research vessel Polar Prince," it said a short while later, referring to Ocean Gate Expeditions' vessel. "The 5 person crew submerged Sunday morning, and the crew of the Polar Prince lost contact with them approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes into the vessel's dive," the Coast Guard said. "We are deeply thankful for the extensive assistance we have received from several government agencies and deep sea companies in our efforts to reestablish contact with the submersible," OceanGate Expeditions said.  Additional resources would arrive in the coming days, said Rear Admiral John Mauger, a commander for the US Coast Guard. "It is a remote area, and it is a challenge to conduct a search in that remote area," he said. "But we are deploying all available assets to make sure we can locate the craft and rescue the people on board." David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate, said the submersive vessel had a 96-hour oxygen supply starting at roughly 6 a.m. Sunday. He added that officials were working to get a remotely operated vehicle that can reach a depth of 6,000 meters (about 20,000 feet) to the site at the earliest. Titan sub typically seats five  According to company information, the submarine, named Titan, usually accommodates five people — a captain, an expert on the Titanic wreckage, and three guests, often paying ones. The tour lasts days and costs around $250,000 (around €230,000) per person. OceanGate also takes archaeologists and other experts to the scene of the ship wreck to track decay at the site.  British billionaire and enthusiast thought to be on board British businessman Hamish Harding, based in the United Arab Emirates, had written on social media on Sunday that he would be on board the sub.  "I am proud to finally announce that I joined [Ocean Gate Expeditions] for their RMS TITANIC Mission as a mission specialist on the sub going down to the Titanic," Harding wrote, noting that bad weather had been making it difficult to find windows for the dives.  Harding's company, Action Aviation, confirmed to the Associated Press that he had been on board. Harding, who made his fortune in the business aviation sector in the Gulf, is something of an undersea exploration enthusiast. He is in the Guinness Book of World Records three times, with two of the records being the longest distance traveled at full ocean depth and the longest time spent at full ocean depth, both from a 2021 mission.  He and Victor Vescovo took the Challenger Deep two-man submarine to the deepest point of the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean. It's some 36,000 feet (almost 11,000 meters) below sea level. By comparison, Mount Everest's summit is less than 9,000 meters above sea level.  The British-built Titanic, billed as the new benchmark in luxury cruising when it was built, famously sunk on its maiden voyage to the US in 1912 after hitting an iceberg. The tale has been immortalized in several non-fiction and fiction books as well as the blockbuster film "Titanic" from 1997.

Bengaluru-based, Sikkim-origin hard rock/heavy metal band Girish And The Chronicles has struck gold this time. The band has been keeping their audience and hardcore fans on their feet all these years of tremendous performances. This time they shared the stage with the internationally famed Guns and Roses. It was indeed a matter of pride that a Sikkim-based band shared that same stage as Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Dizzy on Thursday in Abu Dhabi. The Sikkim-based group played before their musical heroes at the sold-out show. Girish And The Chronicles, who recently released their latest album ‘Back on Earth’ in January this year, will perform at several places in Abu Dhabi, followed by a European tour including festivals and club gigs in June and July. Earlier, bandleader Girish Pradhan and bassist Yogesh Pradhan performed at a tribute to Guns N’ Roses on May 20 in Bengaluru, joining the Kishan Baalaji Collective. The band took to social media to talk about what might arguably become the biggest gig of their lives. “Take a deep breath! Now here’s an example of the phrase, ‘Dreams do come true’. We are opening for Guns and F****** Roses @gunsnroses on the 1st of June, 2023, in the heart of the UAE! Unbelievable right? We can’t wait to share the stage with our all time favourite Rock ‘n Roll heroes! Totally stoked and really don’t have the words to express what we are feeling right now, but one thing’s for sure, we are so proud to represent Sikkim and India today. And Ofcourse, we will also be going in as cool Bangalore boys,” the statement said. While Guns N’ Roses will follow up with performances in Israel and Europe, Girish And The Chronicles – comprising Girish, Yogesh, guitarist Suraz Sun and drummer Nagen Mongranti – too will head to Europe in June and July. Among the confirmed performances include Summerside Festival in Sweden on June 24, plus shows in Lille, France in June 29, Ghent, Belgium in June 30 and four shows across Spain in July. As a vocalist, Pradhan remains one of the most sought-after in hard rock and heavy metal circles at the moment. Part of metal band Firstborne with drummer-composer Chris Adler (formerly of Lamb of God and Megadeth), the vocalist also leads vocals for Whitesnake guitarist-composer Joel Hoekstra’s solo project, called Joel Hoekstra’s 13. Late last year, Pradhan also announced he was part of rock supergroup The End Machine, comprising guitarist George Lynch (formerly of rock band Dokken), bassist Jeff Pilson (currently part of Foreigner) and others. Source: nenow.in

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday flagged in ‘OP Sadbhavana 2022-23’, a 10-day organic farming education tour from Sajik Tampak to Sikkim, at Mantripukhri in Impha, reports Eastmojo. OP Sadbhavna, which comprises a team of 20 farmers from Kana Valley in Chandel district, was flagged off from Sajik Tampak to Gangtok on February 4 under the aegis of HQ IGAR(S). Speaking at the event, CM Biren Singh lauded the efforts of Assam Rifles for promoting organic farming in border areas. “Organic farming is an important part of ‘War on Drugs’ as it provides a means for alternative farming. The participants will help promote organic farming in the state and also educate the public about its benefits,” the chief minister said. CM Biren also expressed his gratitude to Sikkim government for providing opportunity to the farmers of Manipur for learning various aspects of organic farming. The chief minister also laid emphasis on generating public awareness about the benifits of organic approach to agriculture. The tour was organised to enlighten and expose the young farmers of the state on organic farming. During their maiden visit to Sikkim, the farmers were provided knowldge on various chemical-free organic farming techniques. During the tour programme, a series of presentation and field visits to various organic farms were also organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Department of Sikkim. Besides, the farmers also got an oppurtunity to interact with Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad Chaurasia in Gangtok. The farmers, through OP Sadbhavana, were able to gain practical knowledge on organic ways of soil testing, pests controll and harvesting techniques. They also gained knowlege on the emerging markets for organic products. Source: Eastmojo

Stiff-Person Syndrome affects one in a million people. The star vocalist has cancelled performances and said she is receiving support from doctors to improve her condition. Acclaimed singer Celine Dion has halted her upcoming tour and cancelled shows in Europe after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. The Canadian singer announced on Thursday that she had been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, which causes spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing. What did Celine say? "Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to,'' Dion said in an emotional video posted to Instagram. "It hurts me to tell you today this means I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February," she added. The "Courage" world tour —  which was halted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 — was due to continue in Europe in early 2023. Most of those concerts have now been postponed until 2024, while others have been cancelled altogether. What do we know about the disorder? Stiff-Person Syndrome causes muscle stiffness and spasms. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, and there is no cure. It affects around one in a million people, normally between the ages of 30 to 60, and affects twice as many women as men. The 54-year-old singer is receiving support from doctors and her children to improve her condition. "All I know is singing, it's what I've done all my life and it's what I love to do the most," Dion said, breaking into tears. The performer from Quebec rose to worldwide stardom in the 1990s with hits like "The Power of Love," "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" and "Titanic" theme "My Heart Will Go On."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw Pyongyang's latest ICBM launch with his daughter in tow, state media has said. North Korea unveiled the little-known daughter of its leader Kim Jong Un at the Friday launch of Pyongyang's newest intercontinental ballistic missile. State media KCNA reported on Saturday that Kim attended the launch "together with his beloved daughter and wife". Pictures released by the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed a young girl in a white puffer jacket and red shoes walking hand-in-hand with Kim ahead of a huge missile atop a launch truck. The latest pictures have attracted attention on a fourth-generation member of the dynastic family that has ruled North Korea for over seven decades as it is very rare for the state media to mention Kim's children. Experts said that it is the first official confirmation that Kim had a daughter. No further information on the girl, like her name and age, was provided. The North Korean leader supervised the launch of a missile on Friday, which KCNA said was the Hwasong-17. Analysts have dubbed it as "monster missile." KCNA said that the launch of the "new-type ICBM" was successful. Kim said the test of a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile confirmed that Pyongyang has another "reliable and maximum capacity" weapon to contain outside threats. He warned the US and its allies that what he called their provocative steps would lead to "their self-destruction," state media said following the launch. The private life of the reclusive country's 38-year-old leader has been a keen area of outside interest—with much of it still unknown. South Korean media has reported that Kim married Ri Sol Ju in 2009 and the couple have three children born in 2010, 2013 and 2017. The identities of Kim's children are of particular interest as he is yet to publicly anoint his heir apparent.

In a dramatic move, Shakib Al Hasan changed his mind and decided to make him available for South Africa tour. He will now leave the country on Sunday night to join the side in South Africa in which he said he would play all format of cricket. Bangladesh will play three-match ODI series and two Tests in South Africa. Shakib's decision came after the meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon today. "I spoke to Papon bhai for the last two days and we planned our cricket schedule for the entire year. I am available for all three formats," Shakib said in a joint press conference with Papon and other board members today.   "The board will decide when to give me rest that includes the South Africa series. I am available for the South Africa series," he added further without elaborating the things. Shakib Al Hasan wanted a break from the tour after describing himself physically and mentally unfit. He said during the Afghanistan series he felt himself just a passenger and with this physical and mental state, it is not possible to play for him in South Africa as he needs break to recharge himself. BCB president though reacted furiously, questioning his commitment to the country and the board finally gave him a break until April 30 from all form of cricket. However the board president today said Shakib actually was mentally disturbed and therefore he was not in a right state of mind to take any decision. "He firstly told that he would play in South Africa and then he said he is not mentally fit to play. After reaching the country from Dubai, he met me at my house two days ago and said he is keen to go to South Africa. So it proves he is now mentally disturbed, what may happen for any people. That's why I said him to take two more days to think about it. But he again said he has no problem now to go to South Africa. Then I told him to come to the board and talk about his future plan." But the president doesn't give any assurance that Shakib will play all matches in South Africa. "I am saying he is going to South Africa but that doesn't mean he would play all matches. It might happen that he may take rest or the team management can rest him to play another new player for any ODI match or Test match," Papon said. "We have decided that all our senior player can take rest from any particular match or series because they have done a lot for the country and they reached an age from where they won't be able to play all matches. And at the same time we need to give new players some opportunity. So from now on, we can give the senior players rest gradually. If anyone wants to take rest, he should inform it us earlier so that we can devise the plan well," he remarked. Bangladesh ODI and Test team had already left the country in three phases. The ODIs will be played on March 18, 20 and 23, and will be followed by a two-Test series. Source: BSS AH

Soumya Sarkar came up with scintillating allround performance as Bangladesh chased down a mammoth 194-run target with incredibly ease to snatch a five-wicket victory and thereby won the three-match T20 International series by 2-1 at Harare Sports Club today. By winning the last match of the tour, the Tigers completed a hattrick of series win against Zimbabwe. The visitors won the one-off Test and whitewashed Zimbabwe in three-match ODI series before sealing 2-1 win in T20 series. The only defeat came in the second T20, which gave Zimbabwe a chance to win the series. But the hosts’ aspiration was not fulfilled despite compiling a hefty 193-5 as Bangladesh gunned down the total with four balls to spare. Soumya Sarkar led the charge with 2-19 in bowling before hammering a terrific 49-ball 68. Bangladesh though lost opener Naim Sheikh (3) cheaply, Soumya stood tall against the adversities and kept the side in a position of dominance. Soumya Sarkar’s sublime 49-ball 68 included nine fours and one six. It was his second half-century in the series. While Soumya played the match defining knock, he was ably supported by Shakib Al Hasan and skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, who batted aggressively to keep the asking run rate always under control. Shakib struck two fours and one six in his 13-ball 25 while Mahmudullah hit 34 off 28 with two fours and one six before being out in the 19th over. Mahmudullah’s dismissal gave Bangladesh a shock but youngster Shamim Patwari, playing only his second match, sailed the side home with an unbeaten 31 off 15, cracking six boundaries. Afif Hossain was the other notable scorer with 14 off just 5, clobbering two sixes. Opener Wessley Madhevere gave Zimbabwe a flying start along with Tadiwanashe Marumani after captain Sikandar Raza decided to bat for the third time in a row in the series. They shared 63 runs in just six overs before Marumani fell for 27. But Madhevere sent the ball across the rope for six times to hit 54 off 35. While Madhevere gave the platform, Regis Chakabva whacked Bangladesh bowler sin style to clatter 48 off just 22 as he smote six towering sixes. Ryan Burl gave the finishing touch, making an unbeaten 31 off 15 with three fours and two sixes. While Soumya bagged 2-19, Shakib, Saifuddin and Shoriful took one wicket apiece for Bangladesh. Source: BSS AH

Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart on their way to New Zealand on February 23 to play three One Day International (ODIs) and same number of T-twenty matches. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 20-member team for this tour. The new face is left handed spinner Nasum Ahmed. The 26 years old player has played 37 list A and 27 domestic T-20 matches. He has been selected for the T-20 series. After a long interval Mosaddek Hossain and Al Amin Hossain have been included in the squad. Nayeem Sheikh also has been included. Shakib Al Hasan was not included in the team for his leave from the tour. After one week of practice the first one day match will be held in Dunedin on March 20. The second match in Christ Church and the last match will be held in Wellington on March 26. The first match of the T-twenty series will start on March 28 in Hamilton. Second match in Napier on March 30 and the third and last match will take place on April 1 in Auckland. Bangladesh squad: Tamim Iqbal, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Md. Mithun, Liton Kumar Das, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Soumya Sarkar, Nayeem Sheikh, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Al Amin Hossain, Shariful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Miraz, Rubel Hossain, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed. AH      

Bangladesh’s Sri Lanka tour for a three-match Test series has been postponed, BCB President Nazmul Hassan said Monday. “We’re not touring Sri Lanka now. We can't follow the condition … So this series is postponed and requires a reschedule,” he told the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. He said BCB will now prepare to resume domestic cricket. Before that, the members of the national team will play two or three-day matches among them. In the meantime, BCB will take required steps to host domestic cricket. This series was originally scheduled for July-August this year. But due to the Covid-19 outbreak, both boards agreed to play it in October-November. As per the health protocol set by Sri Lanka, everyone entering the island nation is required to undergo 14-day quarantine. But BCB urged them to cut the period by half and allow the team to train during quarantine. The BCB president on Sep 14 said the Lankan board is unable to accept the conditions of Bangladesh as the Covid-19 task force of Sri Lanka will not allow anyone to enter the country without strict 14-day quarantine. BCB head also said that they might not continue with the series if SLC fails to arrange a shorter quarantine. The Tigers were due to fly for Sri Lanka on September 27. Keeping this date in mind, cricketers were in a bio-secure bubble for five days. After being confirmed that a flight to Sri Lanka is not possible on September 27, BCB allowed the cricketers to break the bubble and go to their families. This series is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship. Bangladesh have already played three matches of this event- two against India and one against Pakistan- and lost all of them. Source: UNB AH