Off-field battles in cricket are nothing new, but this time, off-field politics has shaken the cricketing world, with Bangladesh firmly at the centre of attention.

Speaking to The Daily Star’s sports reporter Ekush Tapader, the former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director warned that politics and unclear processes are widening the gap between Bangladesh and India, urging cricket authorities to act decisively.

For the first time in history, the world’s biggest football event will be hosted by three North American countries -- the United States, Canada, and Mexico -- with 48 teams participating.

Will this season finally move past the controversies that have haunted previous editions -- or is the BPL headed for another cycle of backlash?

This edition of Pitch Perfect takes a closer look at those concerns.

Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar Sumon, the man who placed the first Test cap on an 18-year-old Mushfiqur Rahim at Lord’s in 2005, reflects on the veteran wicketkeeper-batter’s remarkable journey. Having witnessed Mushfiqur’s evolution both as a teammate and later as a selector, Bashar offers rare insight into the highs and lows that shaped Bangladesh’s first cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 Tests.

Former Bangladesh women’s cricket team captain Jahanara Alam’s recent allegations of sexual harassment have sparked widespread discussion in the country’s sporting community. While women athletes in Bangladesh continue to face various forms of harassment, many remain hesitant to speak out -- largely due to the absence of a secure and supportive environment.

BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul has stated that he will “intervene” from the Ireland series onwards to improve the team’s performance.

Liverpool and Real Madrid reignite their epic rivalry while PSG and Bayern Munich collide in a battle of firepower.

In the latest episode of Pitch Perfect, The Daily Star’s sports podcast, we dive deep into the matter.

This is Barcelona, this is Real Madrid -- in El Clasico, an eternal divide

The rivalry is beyond football. It’s culture. It’s philosophy.

Real vs Juventus before El Clasico -- can Bayern maintain their lead in the title race?

Watch our full analysis on the latest episode of Pitch Perfect as we look back at how Bangladesh found solid footing in ODIs -- and why that fire seems to be fading now.

To play in the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup, the outcome of the return match against Hong Kong, China will determine the future of the team.

The mindset of cricket’s key stakeholders needs to change -- to move away from club dominance and centralise power.

Chelsea’s very own Jose Mourinho arrives with a roar, and then there’s the Barcelona-PSG blockbuster.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections are set to take place on October 6, 2025.

From Marcus Rashford’s golazo to Diego Simeone’s theatrics and a Juventus–Borussia Dortmund blockbuster, the night had it all.

For Bangladesh, the simplest scenario is a Sri Lanka win on Thursday.