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Yamal: The Rising Star Where Messi Sees Himself
Sports Desk
14 Dec 2024, 10:13
Photo: Collected
In a short span of time, Lamine Yamal has dazzled the football world with his performances for Barcelona and Spain. Already breaking numerous records, Yamal is hailed as one of the brightest young talents in global football today. Many see shades of Lionel Messi in him, and Messi himself agrees.
During a recent event at the Adidas headquarters in Germany, Messi was asked to name a standout player from the new generation. The football legend highlighted Yamal.
Messi remarked, “There’s a great generation of young footballers coming through. They have many years ahead of them. If I had to choose one, based on age and potential, I’ve heard many name Lamine Yamal—and without a doubt, I would too.”
He added, “I agree with that assessment, but ultimately, it depends on him and many other factors, because that’s how football is. But there’s no doubt he has a fantastic future ahead.”
Yamal joined Barcelona’s academy at the age of seven and made his first-team debut at just 15. He has already played over 70 matches for the club and was instrumental in Spain’s recent European Championship victory.
At the last Ballon d’Or ceremony, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young footballer of the year. He also recently became the youngest player to win the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, left Barcelona in 2021 against his wishes after a 21-year career that saw him win a record 34 trophies for the club. He remains Barcelona’s all-time leader in appearances and goals.
Since Messi’s departure, Barcelona has struggled to replicate its former glory. However, under German coach Hansi Flick, the team is currently leading La Liga this season and has climbed to second place in the newly revamped Champions League standings.
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Bangladesh Sweeps West Indies with an 80-Run Victory
Bangladesh Sweeps West Indies with an 80-Run Victory
After the disappointment of being whitewashed by the West Indies in ODIs, the Tigers redeemed themselves in style, handing the hosts a T20 series whitewash on their own turf, bringing joy to their fans.
On Friday (December 20), at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent, Bangladesh defeated the West Indies by a massive 80 runs in the third and final T20 match of the series.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh set an imposing target of 190 runs. In response, the West Indies suffered an early setback when Brandon King was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for a duck in the first over. After a brief rain interruption, Sheikh Mahedi struck in the very next over, further unsettling the hosts.
Bangladesh had never won a T20 series on West Indies soil before. This time, after achieving that milestone, the Tigers made history by whitewashing the hosts for the first time. This marks the second time Bangladesh has whitewashed an opponent in an away series consisting of three or more matches. Overall, it’s the third time Bangladesh has achieved a T20 series whitewash, with the previous instances being against Ireland and England.
In the mission to complete the whitewash, Bangladesh set a challenging target of 190 runs for the West Indies. The hosts stumbled right at the start, losing two wickets within just seven runs. Taskin Ahmed trapped Brandon King LBW for a duck on the second ball of the innings, and Sheikh Mahedi removed Justin Greaves (6 off 5) in the next over.
Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles then built a 38-run partnership off 24 balls. However, Mahedi broke the stand by bowling Pooran (15 off 10) in the sixth over. In the following over, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Roston Chase for a duck, while Charles (23 off 18) fell to a direct hit from Rishad Hossain at midwicket. Three wickets fell for just one run, pushing the West Indies out of contention.
Captain Rovman Powell also failed to deliver, edging a delivery from Rishad Hossain to Liton Das. He managed only 2 runs off 12 balls.
With the West Indies struggling at 60 for 6, Romario Shepherd tried to steady the innings with the lower order. However, Rishad struck twice in the 15th over, dismissing Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph in the space of four balls, effectively ending the fightback.
Shepherd, realizing the battle was lost, gave away his wicket in the next over, caught off Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Shepherd top-scored for the West Indies with 33 off 27 balls, including one four and three sixes. The hosts were bowled out for 109 in 16.4 overs.
Rishad Hossain was the standout bowler with figures of 3 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Sheikh Mahedi each claimed 2 wickets, conceding 30 and 13 runs, respectively.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 189 for 7, thanks to a blistering innings from Zakir Ali, who smashed six sixes.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Liton Das saw a strong start from Parvez Hossain Emon, who scored 39 off 21 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. However, Liton managed only 14 off 13, and Tanzid Tamim added 9 off 9. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 29 off 23 before Zakir stole the show.
Zakir remained unbeaten with 72 off 41 balls, featuring 3 fours and 6 sixes, taking Bangladesh to 189. Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with 17 off 12, hitting one boundary and one six.
Tarique Rahman Hails Bangladesh's 3-0 T20 Sweep Over West Indies
Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) , extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh Cricket Team for their impressive 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 series against the West Indies.
Sharing his message on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Rahman praised the team's exceptional performance, highlighting their dedication, teamwork, and extraordinary skills that led to the remarkable victory.
"Congratulations to the Bangladesh Cricket Team on their outstanding 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 series against the West Indies. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork, and extraordinary skills on the field. Such victories not only showcase your talent but also inspire millions across the nation, reinforcing the pride and passion we hold for cricket," he wrote.
Expressing optimism for the future, Rahman added, "As you continue to raise the bar, may this success propel you toward even greater accomplishments on the international stage. The entire nation stands united in celebrating your triumph."
The clean sweep by the Bangladesh team has sparked widespread jubilation across the country, with fans and public figures alike applauding the players for their stellar performance.
12 Umpires Including 2 Foreigners to Officiate BPL
The 11th season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to commence on December 30. BCB President Faruk Ahmed has announced that this year's BPL will be conducted in a completely new format compared to the previous ten editions.
As part of this revamp, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has planned a colourful musical event a week before the tournament begins.
The musical event will take place on December 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Additionally, the list of umpires for this season has already been finalized by the BPL authorities. A total of 12 umpires will be officiating the matches in this edition.
This includes 10 local umpires and 2 foreign umpires. Four match referees will also be part of the tournament. This information has been confirmed to a private media outlet by a source from the BCB.
This season will feature advanced technologies such as enhanced DRS, Hawk-Eye, and spy cameras. Various arrangements have also been made for the fans. The BPL mascot has already been unveiled. Additionally, the 11th BPL will commemorate the student-public movements of July-August in several ways.
In honour of the memory of Shaheed Mir Mugdha, free drinking water will be available for spectators in the stands. A section of the gallery will be designated as a "Zero Waste Zone." To facilitate the fans, e-ticketing services will be introduced.
For the first time, this edition will feature a theme song. Multiple inaugural events will be held in different cities. Concerts are scheduled on December 23, 25, and 27 in the three host cities of the tournament: Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.
U-19 Women's Asia Cup: / Bangladesh's Dream Shattered by Loss to India
Just days ago, Bangladesh’s U-19 team brought home the Asia Cup title by defeating India. This time, the Bangladeshi girls had a similar opportunity—not only to win the title but also to avenge their Super Four loss against India.
However, they couldn’t seize the chance, losing to India in the Asia Cup final by a significant margin of 41 runs.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bangladesh restricted India to 117 runs for 7 wickets, sparking hopes of a championship win.
But the batters faltered, and the team was bowled out for just 76 runs in 18.3 overs, falling short of their dream.
BPL Music Fest: Ticket Prices Drop to BDT 500
BPL T20 Music Fest, the much-anticipated concert, is scheduled for December 23 at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Gates will open at 2:30 pm, entry will close at 4:30 pm, and the concert will begin at 3:30 pm.
The event promises to be a musical extravaganza, headlined by renowned Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the subcontinent's most celebrated singers. Supporting acts include popular bands and artists like Miles, AvoidRafa, Muza, Xefer, Sanjay, and Hannan.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrived in Bangladesh to participate in the "Spirits of July" event. Additionally, he is set to perform at the BPL T20 Music Fest on December 23.
This information was revealed during a board meeting held on Saturday (December 21) at the BCB office at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
It has been reported that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will receive a fee of $286,000, equivalent to 3.4 crore BDT, for his performance at the BPL T20 Music Fest at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. The BCB Board of Directors has already approved the payment for the singer.
Regarding this, BCB President Faruk Ahmed stated, "Madhumati Bank has purchased the title sponsorship rights for three events in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, held in connection with the BPL Music Fest. They will pay 4 crore BDT to BCB, nearly all of which will be allocated to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."
Meanwhile, ticket prices for the BPL Music Fest have been reduced. Tickets are available online via Tickify, the official ticketing platform.
New pricing categories include:
Platinum: BDT 8,000 (reduced from BDT 12,000)
Gold: BDT 6,000 (down from BDT 8,000)
Silver: BDT 4,000 (was BDT 6,000)
Grandstand: BDT 1,500 (down from BDT 4,000)
Clubhouse: BDT 500 (previously BDT 2,500)
Fans can also purchase tickets directly from:
Mirpur Stadium Ticket Counter
Indoor Stadium Counter
Dosa Express at Bailey Road
Tabaq Coffee outlets in Dhanmondi and Gulshan 1
To honour contributors to the July-August movement, the BCB has reserved 100 special seats for them and their families.
The festivities won't be limited to Dhaka. Concerts are also planned for the other two BPL venues, Sylhet and Chattogram, creating excitement across the country.
Incidentally, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also performed at a charity concert titled "Echoes of Revolution" at Dhaka's Army Stadium on Saturday (December 21) night. The concert was organized by a platform named "Spirits of July" to support the families of those killed and injured in the student-led protests of July-August. This Pakistani artist performed on Dhaka's stage without any remuneration.
BPL Kicks Off with a Music Fest, Mirpur Gets a New Look
The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will hit the field on December 30. However, the festivities begin a week earlier, with the BPL Music Fest 2025 set to take place on Monday (December 23) in Mirpur. Excitement is at its peak as the "Home of Cricket" has been transformed with a fresh new look for the occasion.
The highlight of this glamorous night is the performance by legendary singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. This evening of melodies and excitement marks the official inauguration of the newly revamped Bangladesh Premier League. It is more than just a fusion of music and cricket; it is a heartfelt event that resonates with millions of people across the nation.
The audience eagerly awaits the soulful voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, whose performance has cost the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approximately 34 million BDT, approved in the BCB's board meeting last Saturday.
Additionally, renowned Bangladeshi artists such as Miles, Jefar, AvoidRafa, and Muza will also perform on stage. The BPL theme song, "Elo BPL", co-produced by Muza and AvoidRafa, will blend local and international music, further amplifying the audience's enthusiasm for the league.
Following the Mirpur event, music fests will also be held in Chattogram and Sylhet. However, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's performance will be exclusive to the Mirpur stage, adding a unique touch to this event. The stadium gates will open at 2:30 PM, allowing fans to enjoy the entire program.
In preparation for the BPL's inauguration, Mirpur Stadium has been redecorated, with old structures repainted and banners placed at the gates.
Sponsorship and Tickets
The festival is sponsored by Madhumati Bank, which is contributing nearly 50 million BDT. Tickets for the event are available online, with pricing designed to be more affordable for fans. Platinum tickets cost 8,000 BDT, Gold 6,000 BDT, Silver 4,000 BDT, Grandstand 1,500 BDT, and Clubhouse tickets 500 BDT.
Modern Technology and Special Features
This year’s BPL will showcase advanced technologies such as upgraded DRS, Hawk-Eye, and spy cameras. There are also various arrangements for fans, including the unveiling of the BPL mascot. Many aspects of the 11th BPL will also pay tribute to the student-people movement of July-August.
To honor the memory of Shaheed Mir Mugdha, free drinking water will be available for fans in the gallery. A portion of the gallery will also serve as a "Zero Waste Zone." Additionally, e-ticketing facilities will be in place for the convenience of spectators.
BPL Fever Kicks Off: Full Schedule Announced
The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to begin on December 30 at Mirpur. However, the excitement has already started a week earlier with the Dhaka leg of the BPL Music Fest held on Monday, December 23, marking the official kickoff of the tournament festivities.
BCB President Faruk Ahmed and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud graced the stage, with the latter inaugurating the tournament under the theme "A New BPL for a New Bangladesh," recalling the transformation after the July revolution.
The event featured electrifying performances by artists like Jafar, Muza, and Sanjay, followed by renowned band Miles and a grand finale performance by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The night concluded with a spectacular fireworks display around the stadium.
The Music Fest will continue in Chattogram on December 25 and conclude in Sylhet on December 27. Afterward, the on-field competition begins.
Teams and Matches
This season features seven teams:
Dhaka Capitals
Chittagong Kings
Durbar Rajshahi
Fortune Barishal
Khulna Tigers
Rangpur Riders
Sylhet Strikers
The opening match will see Fortune Barishal face Durbar Rajshahi, followed by a second match between Rangpur Riders and Dhaka Capitals on the same day. The group stage concludes on February 1 with a match between Barishal and Chittagong Kings.
Venues and Schedule:
Mirpur, Dhaka: First 8 matches (Dec 30 - Jan 5)
Sylhet: 12 matches (Jan 6 - Jan 13)
Chattogram: 12 matches (Jan 16 - Jan 23)
Dhaka Final Leg: Eliminator, Qualifiers, and Final (Jan 26 - Feb 7)
Key dates include:
Eliminator & 1st Qualifier: February 3
2nd Qualifier: February 5
Final: February 7
To ease ticketing, the BCB has introduced an e-ticketing system, allowing fans to purchase tickets from the comfort of their homes.
Let the cricketing excitement begin!
