Sports Highlights of 2024

As 2024 approaches its end, preparations to welcome the new year are underway. The year has been a mix of achievements and disappointments in sports, ranging from football to cricket and other disciplines. Here's a recap of the most talked-about events in sports this year:

Shakib Enters Politics
On January 7, 2024, former world-class all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was elected Member of Parliament from the Magura-1 constituency with 185,388 votes. He took the oath as an MP on January 10, marking a significant chapter in his career beyond cricket.

Nazmul Hassan as Sports Minister
Following the national elections at the beginning of the year, Nazmul Hassan, the long-serving President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), was appointed as the Youth and Sports Minister in the new government.

Shakib’s Eye Problem
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) started on January 19, where Shakib Al Hasan represented Rangpur Riders. However, he gained attention for an eye issue that required him to wear glasses during practice. Despite limited contributions as a batsman—often batting at number 10—Shakib managed 255 runs and took 17 wickets in 13 matches.

Barishal Wins First BPL Title
Tamim Iqbal led Fortune Barishal to their maiden BPL title after a strong performance throughout the tournament. Tamim scored 492 runs in 15 matches, playing a crucial role in his team’s success.

SAFF U-20 Women's Joint Champions
In February, the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship took place in Dhaka. After beating Nepal and India in the group stages, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 4-0 in the semi-finals. The final match against India ended in a 1-1 draw and later went to sudden death. A controversial coin toss, which violated tournament bylaws, initially declared India as champions. However, the decision was later reversed, and both teams were named joint champions.

Asian Athletics Success
In February, sprinter Zahir Rayhan won silver in the 400m at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, while Mahfuzur Rahman clinched bronze in high jump.

SAFF U-16 Women's Triumph
Bangladesh won the SAFF U-16 Women’s Championship held in March in Lalitpur, Nepal. They defeated Nepal, India, and Bhutan in the group stages and edged India 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the final to secure the title.

World Cup Investigation
Following Bangladesh's disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup held in India, the BCB formed a three-member investigation committee. The findings were controversial, with some board directors expressing concerns over potential exposure of internal issues.

T20 Series Loss to USA
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh faced host USA in a three-match series. Despite winning the final game by 10 wickets, Bangladesh lost the series 2-1, raising questions about their preparedness.

Players' Role in Protests
During the July-August student movement, many sports figures were active on social media, although Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, both MPs from the ruling Awami League, remained silent, drawing criticism.

BCB Leadership Shakeup
Amid political changes, BCB President Nazmul Hassan stepped down on August 21. Faruk Ahmed was appointed as the new president, and Nazmul Abedeen Fahim replaced Jalal Yunus as director.

BAFF Leadership Change
Following Nazmul Hassan’s resignation, attention shifted to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BAFF). Kazi Salahuddin announced he would not run for re-election, paving the way for Tabiur Rahman Awal to win the presidency by a wide margin.

Historic Test Series Win in Pakistan
Bangladesh achieved a historic 2-0 Test series victory against Pakistan on their soil, marking their first-ever series win in 13 attempts.

Shakib’s Farewell Test Drama
Shakib Al Hasan expressed his wish to play his final Test in Dhaka against South Africa. However, security concerns delayed the decision, and protests further complicated the matter. Ultimately, Shakib opted out, leaving his farewell uncertain.

Women’s SAFF Victory
Bangladesh retained their SAFF Women’s title with a 2-1 win over host Nepal in the final. Rituporna Chakma was named the tournament’s best player, while goalkeeper Rupna Chakma won the best goalkeeper award.

Youth SAFF Championship
Bangladesh’s U-20 team won the SAFF Championship in Nepal, defeating the host 4-1 in the final.

Hockey Youth World Cup Qualification
Bangladesh qualified for the 2025 Hockey Youth World Cup in India after an impressive performance in Oman, marking their first-ever World Cup appearance in any hockey discipline.

Hamza Choudhury’s Approval
The year’s most significant football news was Hamza Choudhury receiving FIFA clearance to play for Bangladesh. The Leicester City midfielder, part of their 2015-16 Premier League-winning squad, is now South Asia’s most high-profile footballer.

Mahbub Sarkar: Journalist & Sports Analyst