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Bangladesh are still searching for their first home Test win against Pakistan after eight matches. Their best result came in Khulna in 2015, when a 312-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes helped secure a draw. Bangladesh lost the other seven home Tests against Pakistan. Bangladesh’s only two wins in 15 Tests against Pakistan came in Rawalpindi in 2024, where they sealed victories by 10 wickets and six wickets, respectively. Mominul Haque is nearing a major milestone, needing 141 more runs to become only the third Bangladesh batter after Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal to reach 5,000 Test runs. Pakistan spinner Noman Ali is also closing in on a landmark, requiring three more wickets to complete 100 Test wickets.

IOC lifts ban on Belarus but Russia still barred

AFP, Lausanne

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes competing in the Olympics, while Russian athletes remain barred.

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, both countries’ athletes had been banned from international competition, though some competed as neutrals. Russians can still participate only individually, under a neutral flag, and if they have not actively supported the conflict.

The IOC also emphasised that athletes should not be penalised for their governments’ actions, including war involvement. The decision allows independent federations to implement the change and paves the way for a Belarusian delegation to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with full representation in the opening ceremony and medal table.

Belarusians previously competed as “Individual Neutral Athletes” in Paris 2024 and Milan-Cortina 2026, alongside Russians, stripped of national symbols. The IOC noted that Russia’s situation differs due to ROC’s suspension since 2023 over control of Ukrainian regions and ongoing doping concerns.