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BPL Kicks Off with a Music Fest, Mirpur Gets a New Look
Sports Desk
23 Dec 2024, 11:50
Photo: Collected
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.
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Ivory Coast Slumps to Record-Low 7 Runs in T20 Cricket
In a shocking turn of events, Ivory Coast was dismissed for just 7 runs in an international T20 match against Nigeria, marking the lowest team score in the format’s history. The game, part of the African qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, was held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Batting first, Nigeria posted an imposing 271/4. Salim Salau starred with a blistering 112 off 53 balls before retiring hurt, while Sulaimon Ransome contributed a rapid 50 off 29 balls. Isaac Okpe then added to the carnage, smashing an unbeaten 65 off 23 balls, including six sixes and three fours.
In response, Ivory Coast’s innings unraveled in spectacular fashion. After a promising 4 runs in the opening over, their batting lineup crumbled. Nine wickets fell for just 3 additional runs, and they were bowled out in 7.3 overs. Despite facing 45 deliveries, Ivory Coast managed only 7 runs, narrowly avoiding the record for the fewest balls faced in a completed innings.
While Nigeria's 264-run victory margin didn’t set a new benchmark, Ivory Coast’s dramatic collapse will go down in cricket history as a record-breaking low, offering a rare and unforgettable moment in the sport.
13-year-old Becomes Youngest IPL Auction Signing
An Indian teenager made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he became the youngest ever player to be sold at the tournament's annual auction where teams compete to sign players. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, was sold for 11 million rupees (roughly €125,000 or $130,000) to the Rajasthan Royals in the world's most lucrative domestic cricket competition.
He will be coached by former Indian cricket Rahul Dravid and joins a squad that includes a number of first-team Indian national players, including batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
The left-handed batter comes from the eastern state of Bihar, and came to the fore during 2024 after being selected to play for his local state side in January when he was just 12.
As a powerful opening batsman, in September this year Suryavanshi was chosen to play for the India under-19 team against Australia under-19s in the longest format of cricket, where he scored a century against opponents much older than himself.
The IPL is a "T20" tournament of short-format, high-scoring games, with Suryavanshi only having played one professional game in this format to date. That match, for Bihar, was against the local state side of Rajasthan — just three days before the Rajasthan Royals' franchise team moved to sign him.
Will Suryavanshi play in this year's IPL?
There are no age limits for players looking to compete in the IPL, or entering its auction, so in theory at least, Suryavanshi could start competing immediately.
However, Suryavanshi is unlikely to feature during the upcoming 2025 tournament, with the world’s best player taking part in the ten-week tournament between 14 March - 25 May.
While he may not take to the field, the teenager will be coached by Dravid who along with being one of India’s greatest ever cricketers also served as head coach of the Indian national team between 2021 and 2024.
And, Suryavanshi will spend over two months being guided by not only some of the best Indian batters including Jaiswal and Sanju Samon but also those from across the globe that will play for the Rajasthan Royals.
How does Suryavanshi's fee compare to that of adult stars?
Suryavanshi's 11 million rupee fee is not enormous by IPL auction standards, certainly not compared to the record 270 million rupees paid for Indian superstar Rishabh Pant on the opening day of the auction on Thursday.
However, it is still far more than the 3 million base price he had set for himself, and a higher price than established international stars like the West Indies' Roston Chase and England's Chris Jordan could command.
Bangladesh Faces Crushing Defeat Amid Batting Collapse
Despite Taskin Ahmed's career-best bowling performance, which dismissed the West Indies for just 152 runs in their second innings, Bangladesh's significant first-innings deficit of 181 runs left them chasing a daunting target of 334. However, the red-and-green team failed to mount any serious challenge, inching closer to a heavy defeat instead.
No batsman showed resilience or intent to stay at the crease. By the end of the fourth day, Bangladesh stood at 109 for 7 in 31 overs, requiring 225 runs on the final day with only three wickets in hand. Zakir Ali remains unbeaten on 15, while Hasan Mahmud is yet to open his account. Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with 45 runs. For the West Indies, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales claimed three wickets each, while Alzarri Joseph took one.
Earlier on the fourth day, the Bangladeshi bowlers delivered a commendable performance once again. Bangladesh had declared their first innings still trailing by 181 runs, aiming to exploit the new ball and quickly restrict the hosts. The plan worked as Taskin Ahmed, coincidentally on the day he missed out on an IPL call, scalped six wickets.
None of the West Indies batters managed to settle at the crease. Despite their lead, the hosts set Bangladesh a stiff target of 334. With over a day and a half left to bat, Bangladesh's long batting lineup crumbled under pressure. A series of weak dismissals added another frustrating chapter to their Test woes.
On the fifth and final day of the Antigua Test, Mehidy Hasan Miraz's team faces the near-impossible task of chasing 225 more runs. The play will resume at 8 PM Bangladesh time.
Cristiano Ronaldo Nears 1,000 Career Goals with Latest Brace
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations with his exceptional form, steadily approaching the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals. Though he recently mentioned focusing more on the present than future achievements, his relentless momentum suggests he’s on track to reach this feat sooner rather than later.
In his last three games, Ronaldo has netted five goals, showcasing his consistency across various competitions. During the international break, he scored twice against Poland in the Nations League. Back with Al Nassr, he found the net in their recent match against Al Qadsiah, and followed it up with a crucial brace in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Gharafa in the AFC Champions League.
His goals, scored in the 46th and 64th minutes, came from inside the box—a header and a well-placed finish—bringing his career total to an impressive 913 goals. This season, Ronaldo has accumulated 13 goals and 3 assists in 17 matches for Al Nassr. He has also reached 40 goals for 2024, surpassing 550 combined goals and assists since turning 30.
After the match, Ronaldo reflected, “My main focus is always the team's success. Goals come naturally when the team performs well. I dedicate this win to the fans, the club, and my teammates.”
Tigresses Crush Ireland for Record-Breaking ODI Victory
The Bangladesh women’s cricket team, led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, delivered on her pre-match assertion that they were favorites at home. In the first ODI at Mirpur, the hosts dismantled Ireland with a commanding 154-run victory, marking the largest win in the history of Bangladesh women's cricket.
On Wednesday (November 27), Bangladesh set a daunting target of 253 after batting first. In reply, Ireland collapsed for just 98 runs, giving the Tigresses a historic win.
Previously, Bangladesh’s largest victory margin was 119 runs against South Africa in December last year. This time, Joty and her team shattered that record to script a new milestone.
Ireland’s chase faltered early, with skipper Gaby Lewis dismissed for 5 in just the fourth ball. Marufa Khatun took two wickets in consecutive balls, sending Asim Hunter back alongside Lewis.
Opener Sarah Forbes, alongside Orla Prendergast, tried to stabilize the innings, but Orla was dismissed for 19, leaving Ireland at 48/3. Forbes resisted valiantly with 25 runs before being run out, while the rest of the batting lineup crumbled.
Leah Paul (0), Laura Delany (22), Una Raymond-Hoey (7), and Ava Canning (0) failed to make an impact. Late dismissals of Amy Maguire (0) and Freya Sargent (9) sealed Ireland’s fate as they were bowled out for 98.
For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun and Nahida Akter each claimed three wickets, with Marufa Akter contributing two.
Earlier, Bangladesh started strong after winning the toss, with openers Fargana Hoque and Murshida Khatun adding 59 runs. Murshida scored 38 off 61 balls before falling in the 19th over, while Fargana continued her composed innings to score 61 off 110 balls.
Sharmin Akter, with a steady 50, and Nigar Sultana Joty provided support. Shamima Sultana came agonizingly close to her century, scoring 96 before being caught out. Contributions from Sobhana Mostary (5) and unbeaten Swarna Akter (13) helped Bangladesh post a formidable 252.
This emphatic win underscores the growing strength of Bangladesh women’s cricket on the international stage.
Sri Lanka Crumbles for 42: Historic Low in Test Cricket
Sri Lanka was bowled out for their lowest score in Test history—just 42 runs. Additionally, in terms of balls faced, they registered the second-lowest total in Test history, lasting only 83 balls. Moreover, the team now holds the record for the third-lowest score in Test matches on South African soil.
On Thursday (November 28), during the first Test of the series in Durban, South Africa's innings was wrapped up for 171 runs in the morning, courtesy of Sri Lanka's bowling lineup.
However, when Sri Lanka came to bat, South African pacer Marco Jansen produced a devastating spell that led to this ignominious record. Jansen bowled 6.5 overs, conceding just 13 runs and taking 7 wickets. Gerald Coetzee claimed two wickets, while Kagiso Rabada took one.
Previously, Sri Lanka's lowest Test score was 71 runs, against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. This new low in Durban surpasses that record.
Ronaldo Shines at Al-Awwal Park, Leads Al-Nassr to 2-0 Win
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine with exceptional form, scoring back-to-back braces in consecutive matches to secure wins for his team. The Portuguese star’s brilliance helped Al-Nassr secure a 2-0 victory against Damac in their latest Saudi Pro League encounter. Previously, Ronaldo had scored twice against Al-Gharafa in an AFC Champions League match.
On Friday, November 29, Al-Nassr faced Damac at King Saud University's Al-Awwal Park. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Abdelkader Bedrane committed a foul inside the box, earning a yellow card. The Portuguese star converted the penalty without mistake, giving the home team a 1-0 lead before halftime.
In the second half, Damac pushed hard for an equalizer but was reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute. Al-Nassr doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Ronaldo scored from close range after receiving a teammate's pass.
Ronaldo was named the man of the match for his brace, making it three consecutive matches where he has earned the honor. The 39-year-old now boasts 915 career goals, with 42 goals in 50 matches this year.
Al-Nassr currently sits third in the Saudi Pro League standings with 25 points from 12 matches. Al-Ittihad leads the table with 30 points, followed by Al-Hilal with 28 points from the same number of games.
