Nabid Yeasin

In just a few hours, India and Pakistan will meet again -- for the third time in this Asia Cup. The venue, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and the day of the week, Sunday -- are the same as their two previous encounters during the group stage and the Super Four.

One glaring aspect of this Asia Cup -- and of most major cricket events, for that matter -- is the organisers’ relentless push to stage as many India-Pakistan clashes as possible.

When India and Pakistan meet -- in any sport -- the stakes spill over into something more than just a game. It becomes a clash between neighbours bound by political tension, history, and deep mistrust.

Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer the winger who once tore down flanks with blistering pace. More than a decade ago, he reinvented himself into a different kind of player -- one who recognised that his body needed adaptation, transitioning from a dazzling winger to a prolific striker for a more sustainable and record-boosting career.

From claiming he was here to play a “T20 innings” as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president to announcing his intent to contest in the upcoming board elections yesterday, Aminul Islam Bulbul has remained consistent in one regard -- the ambiguity that often characterises the leadership positions in any line of work in the country.

When it comes to Bangladesh cricket, finding flaws and shortcomings through examining stats and figures is disconcertingly easy.

Come June 26, Bangladesh will be completing its 25 years in Test cricket.

Evolving and growing through every phase of life is a natural phenomenon. For most, this brings about positive changes. But for the Bangladesh cricket team, the exact opposite is the case, as in every new series and tour, the Tigers unlock new problem areas in their game.