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  PM seeks OIC support to resolve Rohingya crisis Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought support from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to help resolve the Rohingya crisis. He made the appeal when ambassadors and high commissioners of OIC member countries stationed in Dhaka paid a courtesy call on him at his Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. During the meeting, the envoys congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister. The OIC member states also reaffirmed their strong commitment to standing beside Bangladesh and strengthening bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including investment, trade, education, healthcare, textiles, and the pharmaceutical industry. Rony said the Prime Minister welcomed their remarks and, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, thanked the OIC countries for their continued support. T...
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Wisden Criticises ‘Orwellian’ Political Influence of India in World Cricket

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has sharply criticised what it describes as growing political interference by India in global cricket governance, warning that the sport’s administration is becoming “increasingly Orwellian.”

First published in 1864 and widely regarded as cricket’s “Bible,” the UK-based annual’s 163rd edition—set for release Thursday —features a strongly worded editorial from its editor Lawrence Booth, who raises concerns over what he sees as an unhealthy concentration of power in Indian hands.

Booth points to the leadership structure of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which is currently headed by chairman Jay Shah and chief executive Sanjog Gupta—both from India. Shah, notably, is the son of Amit Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The publication describes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), previously led by Jay Shah, as effectively functioning as a “sporting adjunct” of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Booth also highlights how geopolitical tensions spilled into the Asia Cup 2025, played amid a brief military standoff between India and Pakistan. The strained atmosphere saw players from the two nations refuse to shake hands during matches.

He questioned the credibility of Mohsin Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister—after Naqvi claimed that “politics and sport can’t go together.”

The editorial further underscores what Booth terms “Indian exceptionalism.” He cites India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicating an Asia Cup victory over Pakistan to the armed forces, as well as a social media post by Modi likening a cricket win to “Operation Sindoor,” a real-world military operation that resulted in casualties on both sides.

Wisden also references the case of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from a $1 million contract with Kolkata Knight Riders amid rising diplomatic tensions. The fallout contributed to Bangladesh’s eventual withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup after the government declined to allow the team to travel to India.

“The sport’s governance grows ever more Orwellian,” Booth writes, accusing authorities of ignoring the consequences of India’s dominance while blaming smaller cricketing nations for reacting to mounting pressure.

He concludes that, while politics has always had some influence on cricket, the current level of politicisation is unprecedented and increasingly damaging to the integrity of the game.

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