A year of revolt, redemption and history

The year 2025 proved to be a landmark in the world of sports. Cricket and football delivered moments of high drama and historic significance throughout the year. Teams long starved of silverware finally celebrated championship glory, while fans were treated to outstanding individual performances alongside memorable team achievements. This Sports Year in Review revisits the defining sporting moments of 2025.

Revolt of the Women Footballers:
The year began with unrest in women’s football. On January 30, 18 national team footballers—including Sabina Khatun, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Sanjida Akter and Ritu Porna Chakma—declared a revolt against head coach Peter Butler. The players announced that they would no longer play under him and submitted written complaints to the federation.

Based on the players’ letter, the federation formed a special committee, which later submitted its report to the BFF president. BFF president Tabith Awal held multiple meetings with both the coach and the footballers. Eventually, both sides softened their positions, and some players returned to playing under Butler. However, five players—Sabina, Krishna, Masura, Sanjida and Sumaiya—were no longer called up by the coach.

Fortune Barishal’s Consecutive BPL Triumph:

Fortune Barishal clinched their second straight Bangladesh Premier League title by defeating Chittagong Kings by three wickets in a thrilling final at Mirpur on February 7. Chasing a target of 195, Barishal reached the finish line with three balls to spare.

Hamza–Shamit Don the Bangladesh Jersey:

The year 2025 marked an unprecedented surge in football enthusiasm in Bangladesh. New possibilities reignited passion among fans. In March, English Premier League footballer Hamza Choudhury made his debut in the Bangladesh jersey, taking the country’s football frenzy to new heights. Following his path, Fahamidul Islam, Shamit Shome and Zayan Ahmed also joined the national team, adding fresh strength.

Hamza made his Bangladesh debut on March 25 against India at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Each of his appearances drew massive crowds, with tickets selling out within minutes, although ticket distribution remained a contentious issue.

Despite raising hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals for the first time in 45 years, Bangladesh ultimately fell short. The team recorded two draws and two defeats in their first four qualifiers before registering a win in the fifth match. That victory—secured by Sheikh Morsalin’s goal in Dhaka against India—ended a 22-year wait for a win over their neighbours and stood out as one of the sweetest moments of the year.

India Lift the Champions Trophy:
India lifted the Champions Trophy—widely regarded as the most prestigious ODI tournament after the World Cup—in 2025. In the final on March 9 in Dubai, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets. After the Kiwis posted 251 for seven in their allotted 50 overs, India completed the chase with six balls to spare to claim a record third Champions Trophy title, a feat unmatched by any other team.

Chelsea Clinch Club World Cup:
English club Chelsea stunned European champions Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup. In the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, Cole Palmer starred with two goals and an assist in a dominant 3–0 victory. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former US president Donald Trump were present at the award ceremony.

India’s Asia Cup Win and the Trophy Controversy:
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on September 28. However, the victory was overshadowed by controversy as the Indian team refused to receive the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.

Following India’s refusal, the trophy was removed from the ceremony and taken to the ACC headquarters in Dubai. Later reports claimed it was moved to an undisclosed location in Abu Dhabi, known only to Naqvi. Despite discussions at ACC meetings, the issue remains unresolved, and India has yet to officially receive the Asia Cup trophy.

The Year the Long Waits Ended:
From football to cricket, 2025 became a year of redemption, as long-standing dreams finally came true.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli won their maiden IPL title, ending an 18-year wait. In football, Paris Saint-Germain finally fulfilled their long-cherished dream by winning the UEFA Champions League.

Harry Kane lifted the first major trophy of his career in 2025, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich at the age of 31. Tottenham Hotspur, Kane’s former club, ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League, securing a European title after 41 years.

Crystal Palace won the FA Cup—the first trophy in the club’s 120-year history—while Newcastle United lifted the English League Cup, claiming their first major silverware in 70 years.

BCB Shake-up: Faruque Out, Bulbul In:

On May 29, the National Sports Council issued a gazette cancelling Faruque Ahmed’s nomination as a BCB director. As a result, he lost his position on the board and became ineligible to remain BCB president, leaving the post vacant.

Subsequently, former Bangladesh captain Aminul Islam Bulbul was nominated as a board director by the National Sports Council and later elected BCB president by the directors. On October 6, Bulbul was elected unopposed as BCB president for the next four years. Faruque Ahmed returned to the board as vice-president from the club category.

Another major talking point of the election was Tamim Iqbal’s decision to boycott it. Having announced his retirement from cricket earlier in the year, Tamim had initially expressed his intention to contest the presidency before withdrawing at the last moment.

India Win Their First Women’s ODI World Cup:
India created history on November 2 by winning their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup. In the final at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs. After losing the 2005 final to Australia and suffering heartbreak against England in 2017, India finally claimed the world title in 2025.

Dembele Wins the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best:
PSG dominated European football in 2025, with Ousmane Dembele standing out as the brightest star. The French forward scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 matches across competitions. His outstanding performances earned him the Ballon d’Or, followed later in the year by FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award.

Messi Conquers America:
When Argentine star Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami from PSG, the club was at the bottom of the MLS table. His arrival quickly changed everything. In his first season, Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup. They then went on to win the Supporters’ Shield and the Eastern Conference title.

Still, the journey did not feel complete. That changed when Inter Miami won the MLS Cup. In the final at Chase Stadium, they beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1. It was the first MLS Cup in the club’s history. With this win, Messi’s Inter Miami finished the year as the best team in Major League Soccer.