Finland has announced that it will shut down its embassies in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar in 2026. The decision comes as part of Helsinki’s wider diplomatic review, aimed at adjusting its overseas presence according to changing political and economic conditions.   According to the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the closures are linked to operational and strategic reasons. Officials said the political situation in these countries and their limited commercial and economic ties with Finland were key factors behind the move.   The ministry confirmed that preparations for the shutdowns have already started and the embassies will close at different stages next year. The decision is part of Finland’s plan to focus its diplomatic resources on regions considered more critical to its foreign and security policy.   Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the review is meant to help Finland build a “more competitive and efficient” global diplomatic network. She added that concentrating resources in priority areas will strengthen Finland’s long-term international position.   Finland had previously closed its mission in Islamabad in 2012 due to budget issues but reopened it in 2022. Other Nordic countries have also scaled back operations in Pakistan in recent years, citing security and operational challenges.

Pakistan has been chosen to lead the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers for the 2026–27 term, marking a significant diplomatic role for Islamabad in the region. The decision was taken at the 29th ECO Council of Ministers meeting, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan.   According to the Foreign Office, member states warmly welcomed Pakistan’s selection and expressed confidence in its ability to advance ECO’s regional agenda. Senator Ishaq Dar thanked all countries for their support and said that Pakistan will host the next ECO Council of Ministers meeting in 2026, with a focus on practical steps to boost cooperation.   The Economic Cooperation Organization traces its roots back to 1964, when Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye formed the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). It was renamed ECO in 1985 and has since grown into a platform connecting South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, Europe and the Arab region. The bloc today represents more than 460 million people across around 8 million square kilometres.   ECO’s core objective is to promote sustainable economic development, trade, connectivity and improved living standards through regional collaboration. Officials say Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship will place special attention on trade facilitation, energy partnerships and transport links to support growth across member states.   With this new role, Islamabad is expected to take a more proactive position in shaping regional economic policy within ECO, while working closely with partner countries to translate agreements into concrete outcomes on the ground.

Pakistani citizens applying for UAE visas are increasingly facing refusal of applications, even when they submit complete documents and meet basic requirements. Applicants say rejection rates have climbed sharply in recent months, with many receiving no clear explanation for the decision.   The situation has become more confusing because Pakistani officials claim that visas are being issued only in very limited cases, while UAE authorities publicly state that there is no formal ban on Pakistanis. In practice, however, tourists, professionals and families report repeated denials that have disrupted travel, work and family plans.   A marketing professional from Lahore shared that two back-to-back refusals turned a simple holiday plan into months of anxiety. He was told informally that applicants “under 40” were facing stricter checks. Another applicant, employed by a multinational firm, said three visas for a conference were rejected before he finally obtained a so-called “guaranteed visa” at a higher fee. His separate $1,200 five-year multiple-entry visa application was still refused, leaving him with a financial loss.   Travel agencies in Karachi confirm a spike in refusals but offer different reasons. One agency estimates that 70–80% of first-time or single-entry visas are rejected, while family applications have a much higher approval rate. Another agent suggested that only around 20% of individual visas are being cleared, compared with close to 80% for family files.   Some consultants say stronger financial profiles appear to help, claiming that applicants with around Rs3 million in a six-month bank statement have better odds. Others link refusals to past overstays or unclear financial documentation. On social media, travellers report blocked transit visas, inconsistent guidance from visa centres and the sense that age, income level and profession all affect outcomes.   Recent official statements have deepened the uncertainty. A senior Pakistani interior ministry official told a Senate body that the UAE had stopped issuing most visa categories to Pakistani citizens, except for diplomatic and blue passports. In contrast, a UAE embassy diplomat told Dawn that there is no such restriction and that visas continue to be processed under a centralised system introduced after previous data tampering by some agents.   With conflicting accounts from both sides and no clearly defined criteria, many Pakistanis remain unsure how to prepare successful applications or when the UAE visa policy will become more predictable for ordinary travellers.

Small Business Saturday returned this weekend across the United States, with officials urging Americans to support local shops as holiday spending picks up. The nationwide event, held each year after Thanksgiving, encourages people to shift a part of their Christmas shopping toward small businesses.   According to the US Small Business Administration (SBA), this year’s campaign arrives at a time when the economy is recovering from a period of high inflation. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the day plays an important role in helping the sector that forms the backbone of local communities. She noted that small businesses employ nearly half of the private-sector workforce and contribute almost half of the country’s GDP.   Loeffler said that buying from small shops means supporting workers, families and entrepreneurs who drive community growth. She urged Americans to stand with their neighbourhood businesses during the holiday season, adding that there has “never been a better time to shop small.”   The event was launched in 2010 by American Express and is now jointly promoted with the SBA. Since then, Small Business Saturday has generated over $220 billion for restaurants, retailers and service providers, making it a major revenue boost for nearly 36 million small businesses across the country.   Data shared by the SBA shows that small businesses expect almost 20% of their annual sales to come from this one day. Last year, American shoppers spent an estimated $22 billion at local stores.   States with the largest number of small businesses include California with 4.3 million, Texas and Florida with 3.5 million each, New York with 2.4 million and Pennsylvania with 1.2 million. States with the fewest include Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming and Washington D.C., each with fewer than 85,000 businesses.   Speaking on Fox News, Loeffler said confidence among small business owners is now at a seven-year high. She credited tax cuts, deregulation and pro-business policies under President Donald Trump, adding that holiday consumer spending could reach a historic one trillion dollars this season.   For many small shops, the day offers not only financial relief but also renewed public attention during the busiest shopping period of the year.

Airlines across the world faced cancellations and delays on Friday after Airbus ordered immediate repairs to 6,000 aircraft from its A320 family, affecting more than half of the global fleet. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued the directive as a precaution, saying that passenger safety remained the top priority.   The US Federal Aviation Administration also released an emergency airworthiness order for specific Airbus models, requiring the replacement or modification of certain software. According to a bulletin seen by Reuters, the main fix involves reverting to an older software version, while a smaller portion of jets will need a more complex hardware change.   The recall is considered one of the largest in Airbus’s 55-year history and follows weeks after the A320 overtook the Boeing 737 as the world’s most-delivered aircraft. At the time the notice was issued, nearly 3,000 A320-family planes were already in the air.   The decision affected airlines during the busy Thanksgiving weekend in the United States. Delta expected fewer than 50 A321neo aircraft to be impacted, while United Airlines said six planes required updates with limited disruptions. Hawaiian Airlines reported no impact on operations.   American Airlines, the world’s largest operator of A320 jets, said 209 of its 480 aircraft needed the repair. It planned to complete most updates by Saturday, with each aircraft requiring around two hours of work.   The effect was more severe in Australia, where Jetstar cancelled 90 flights after identifying issues in 34 of its 85 Airbus jets. Thousands of passengers reported long queues and travel disruptions on social media. In Japan, ANA Holdings cancelled 65 domestic flights and warned of additional cancellations.   Other airlines confirmed temporary grounding of jets to complete repairs, including Lufthansa, IndiGo, easyJet, Jazeera Airways and Air Arabia. Colombia’s Avianca said the recall affected more than 70% of its fleet and halted ticket sales until December 8 because of “significant disruptions.”   India’s aviation regulator instructed airlines not to fly affected aircraft until modifications were completed. Air India warned of possible delays and schedule changes. In the UK, three British Airways short-haul planes were affected, though no major operational impact was expected.   EasyJet later said it planned to operate normally after completing updates on most required aircraft. Gatwick Airport confirmed that only a small number of airlines were affected, while Heathrow reported no impact late Friday.   Airbus linked the issue to a recent incident in which strong solar radiation may have corrupted data used by flight control systems. Industry sources told Reuters the case involved a JetBlue flight on October 30 travelling from Cancún to Newark. The plane experienced a sudden drop in altitude, injuring at least 15 passengers, and diverted to Tampa.   The fault was traced to the elevator and aileron computer (ELAC), which passes pilot commands to the aircraft’s control surfaces. Thales, the system’s manufacturer, stated that the hardware meets Airbus specifications and that the affected functionality relates to software not under its responsibility.   The recall comes at a time when repair shops are already stretched due to labour shortages and ongoing inspections of other Airbus engines. The UK transport secretary said the impact on British airlines remained limited, with only a few aircraft needing deeper hardware changes.   There are more than 11,300 A320-family aircraft in service globally, including 6,440 of the core A320 model introduced in 1987. The recall is expected to continue affecting airline schedules as operators complete mandatory fixes in the coming days.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia has been shifted to intensive care after her health deteriorated in Dhaka, prompting her family and party leaders to appeal for prayers on Saturday. The 80-year-old politician was admitted to hospital on November 23 with symptoms linked to a lung infection.   Members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said she remains in a serious state. Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir told reporters on Friday night that doctors had informed them her condition was “very critical”. Senior BNP leaders and worried supporters gathered outside the hospital for updates throughout the day.   Reports in The Daily Star said Khaleda Zia is facing multiple medical complications including heart problems, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, lung disease and arthritis. She also has a permanent pacemaker and previously underwent a heart stenting procedure.   Her eldest son, Tarique Rahman, who has lived in London since 2008, requested the nation to pray for his mother’s recovery. In a social media post, he thanked the public for their support and said he wished he could be with her but was unable to return due to circumstances beyond his control.   Rahman said he shared “the same longing as any child” during a crisis, but noted that the decision to return home was not solely his to make. He has remained abroad for years due to legal and political disputes in Bangladesh.   Khaleda Zia, who served three terms as prime minister, was jailed for corruption in 2018 under the government of Sheikh Hasina. She was also barred from travelling abroad for medical treatment. She was released last year following Hasina’s ouster and has since continued to receive treatment in Dhaka.   Interim leader Muhammad Yunus issued a statement on Friday night, calling Zia “a source of inspiration” during the country’s transition back to democratic order. He said her recovery was important for national stability.   Despite ongoing health challenges, Khaleda Zia has expressed her intention to take part in the February 2026 elections, where the BNP is widely viewed as a major contender. Party officials say they remain hopeful about her recovery while closely monitoring her treatment.

Visa refusals for Pakistanis travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have become a recurring issue, despite the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. Officials say there is no formal ban on Pakistani passports, yet applicants continue to face widespread rejections.     Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry told the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights that the UAE had not been issuing visas to Pakistanis in recent days. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said the restrictions were linked to concerns about some travellers being involved in criminal activity, adding that only a limited number of visas were being granted “after much difficulty”.       In January 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was informed that some UAE visit visas had been “unofficially closed”. Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig said Emirati authorities were concerned that some visitors on short-term visas were engaging in begging or other violations.       Former Pakistani ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi earlier described the rise in visa refusals as a “serious and significant” matter. He said UAE authorities had pointed out issues with document authenticity, criminal records and inconsistent attestations. He also noted that new AI-based verification systems had made the screening process more stringent.       In April, UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi announced that visa issues had been resolved and that Pakistanis could apply for a five-year visa. However, new complaints resurfaced in July. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised the matter with his UAE counterpart, who assured full cooperation in expediting visa cases.       Despite such assurances, travellers continued facing rejections — especially those under the age of 35 or 40. Many reported delays, repeated submissions and unclear reasons behind refusals.       Nadeem, a 28-year-old from Lahore, said his visit visa was rejected twice even though he provided all required documents. “The agency told me younger applicants were facing more scrutiny. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.       Other travellers shared similar stories. Sports journalist Muzamil Asif could not cover the Asia Cup in Dubai after his visa was rejected. A Karachi-based tech entrepreneur said his first application was denied but his second attempt was approved when submitted separately.       Travel agencies in Lahore and Karachi reported 70 to 80 percent rejection rates for single-entry visit visas. They said applicants with family ties, strong bank statements or established employment backgrounds were more likely to be approved.       A senior UAE diplomat told Dawn that there was no ban on Pakistani citizens. He said earlier misuse of applicant data by some agents had forced a shift to a centralised visa system. The diplomat said three biometric desks were now operational in Pakistan to improve transparency in the verification process.       He added that 2.27 million Pakistanis living in the UAE could sponsor their family members under new rules, except for those facing issues due to criminal histories or altered documents.       According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance, the UAE has introduced several reforms, including online visa processing, e-visas without passport stamping and improved system-to-system verification. Nearly 500 visas per day are being handled by the new UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan.    

Bangladesh and Ireland meet in the first T20I on 27 November 2025 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, with both teams looking to start the series on a strong note. The venue has historically favoured batters, and early figures suggest another high-scoring contest. Bangladesh vs Ireland Live Dashboard Loading live match... const API_KEY = "1c150b9c-dbe4-41d7-8e46-dbb97ac07f17"; const dashboard = document.getElementById("liveDashboard"); async function findBangladeshIrelandMatch() { dashboard.innerHTML = "Searching Bangladesh vs Ireland match..."; const res = await fetch(`https://api.cricapi.com/v1/currentMatches?apikey=${API_KEY}`); const json = await res.json(); if (!json || !json.data) { dashboard.innerHTML = "Could not find match."; return; } // Filter match const match = json.data.find( m => m.name.toLowerCase().includes("bangladesh") && m.name.toLowerCase().includes("ireland") ); if (!match) { dashboard.innerHTML = "No live Bangladesh vs Ireland match right now."; return; } // Load dashboard loadMatch(match.id); // Auto-refresh setInterval(() => loadMatch(match.id), 10000); } async function loadMatch(matchId) { dashboard.innerHTML = "Loading live data..."; const res = await fetch(`https://api.cricapi.com/v1/match_info?apikey=${API_KEY}&id=${matchId}`); const json = await res.json(); if (!json || !json.data) { dashboard.innerHTML = "Failed to load match details."; return; } const m = json.data; const batting = m.score?.[0] || null; const bowling = m.score?.[1] || null; let targetHtml = ""; if (batting && bowling) { let target = bowling.r; let need = target - batting.r; let ballsLeft = (20 * 6) - (parseFloat(batting.o) * 6); if (need > 0) { targetHtml = ` Target: ${target} Needed: ${need} from ${Math.round(ballsLeft)} balls `; } } dashboard.innerHTML = ` ${m.name} Status: ${m.status} ${batting ? ` Batting: ${batting.inning} Score: ${batting.r}/${batting.w} Overs: ${batting.o} ` : ""} ${targetHtml} Striker: ${m.batsman?.striker || "N/A"} Non-Striker: ${m.batsman?.nonStriker || "N/A"} Bowler: ${m.bowler?.bowlerName || "N/A"} `; } findBangladeshIrelandMatch(); According to the available data, teams batting first have enjoyed a clear edge in Chattogram, winning almost 60% of matches played here. The average first-innings score this year stands at 167, keeping expectations high for a competitive total. The pitch offers strong support to fast bowlers, who average 24.9 per wicket, while spinners have also remained effective with an average of 25.8. Early predictive trends suggest a wicket pattern of 1.73 wickets in the powerplay, 2.51 in the middle overs, and 2.27 during the death overs, indicating that bowlers may find breakthroughs across all phases of the innings. Both squads have named full-strength line-ups. Bangladesh will be led by Litton Das, with players like Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam expected to play key roles. Ireland, captained by Paul Stirling, bring a balanced group featuring Curtis Campher, Josh Little, Harry Tector, and Mark Adair. Predictive form guides tip Bangladesh to win both the toss and the match, with Tanzid Hasan and Paul Stirling projected as the top run-scorers for their respective sides. Mustafizur Rahman and Mark Adair are forecast to be the leading wicket-takers. Bangladesh are expected to post 160+ if batting first, while Ireland are projected around 140+. The match sets the tone for the upcoming T20 series, with both sides looking to build momentum in Chattogram.

A massive fire that tore through several residential towers in Hong Kong has left at least 55 people dead, making it the city’s most fatal blaze in more than 60 years. Hundreds remain missing and thousands have taken shelter in emergency centres as smoke continues to rise from the affected buildings.   Images from the scene show flames still burning above multiple floors, with thick smoke covering the skyline. Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter, and a full investigation is underway. Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered condolences, including to a firefighter who died during rescue efforts.   Officials say the exact cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, but early findings point to unusually fast fire spread and unsafe renovation material on the buildings.   Where and When the Fire Started   The fire began at Wang Fuk Court, a large public housing complex in Tai Po, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT). The estate has eight towers, each 31 storeys high. Seven of the blocks were affected, according to district councillor Mui Siu-fung.   Built in 1983, the towers were undergoing renovation when the fire broke out. Tai Po is located in the northern part of Hong Kong, close to the Shenzhen border. The estate provides 1,984 apartments for nearly 4,600 residents, with almost 40% aged 65 or older, based on a 2021 census.   What May Have Caused the Rapid Spread   Authorities say the fire spread at an unusual speed. Early checks found mesh material, plastic sheets and styrofoam attached to the outside of the towers — all believed to be non-fireproof.   Police reported that these materials likely helped the flames travel quickly up the building’s exterior. Three men, aged 52 to 68, have been arrested. Two are directors of a construction company, while the third is an engineering consultant. Investigators are looking into their actions and possible negligence during the renovation work.   Local reports also quoted residents claiming that fire alarms did not activate when the blaze started.   How Severe Is the Incident?   Authorities classify this as a Level Five alarm, the highest category in Hong Kong. Within 40 minutes it had already escalated to Level Four, before being raised again as flames grew uncontrollably.   Local media earlier reported that explosions were heard inside the building, and fire hoses could not reach upper floors. Deputy fire services director Derek Armstrong Chan said the heat was so intense that firefighters were unable to enter the towers for significant periods.   A massive rescue operation was launched, involving 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and nearly 400 police officers.   Information About the Victims   One of the victims is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who served at Sha Tin Fire Station for nine years. He lost contact with the team at 15:30 and was later found collapsed. Doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival at hospital.   At least one more firefighter is receiving treatment. Police have been using loudspeakers to help families search for missing relatives.   Where Evacuated Residents Are Staying   Emergency shelters have been opened across Tai Po. One shelter at Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre became full, forcing residents to move to other facilities. Another nearby shelter, Kwong Fuk Community Hall, was deemed unsafe and evacuees were shifted again.   Reporters saw many elderly residents arriving with walking sticks or wheelchairs. Authorities estimate about 900 people are now staying in temporary shelters. Six schools in Tai Po will remain closed.   The government has also activated an emergency monitoring and support centre, and police have created a public hotline for information on casualties.   Why the Fire May Have Intensified   Wang Fuk Court is currently wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting for renovation, both extending up to the rooftops. Police say the quick spread was linked to mesh netting, plastic sheets and styrofoam around the windows.   Experts told local media that much of the construction mesh used across Hong Kong is not fire-retardant. Cardboard, debris and paint thinner often found on scaffolding can also worsen fires.   A fire safety specialist told the BBC that bamboo scaffolding, common across Hong Kong, helped flames climb the building’s exterior. The government had already been reviewing its future use after several scaffolding-related deaths.   Another engineering expert noted that the estates, built in the 1980s, likely used single-pane windows, which are easily damaged by heat. Modern buildings typically use double-pane glass, offering better resistance.   Closing Note   Authorities say the investigation will continue until the full cause of the blaze is determined, and safety checks are expected across similar housing estates in the coming days.

An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot. The aircraft went down shortly after 2pm local time at Dubai World Central, where the final day of the event was in progress.   According to the Indian Air Force, the pilot suffered fatal injuries. The force said an inquiry had been ordered to determine what led to the crash. It added that the IAF “deeply regretted” the loss of life and expressed condolences to the pilot’s family.   Witnesses told international media that the Tejas was flying at low altitude before dropping sharply and bursting into flames. Photos shared by Indian outlets showed the jet engulfed in fire, with thick smoke rising from the crash site.   Emergency sirens were heard across Al Maktoum International Airport as firefighting teams rushed to the area. Dubai Media Office confirmed the pilot’s death and said rescue teams responded immediately. A photo posted by the office showed fire crews working around the wreckage.   Authorities said no other injuries were immediately reported. Flying displays resumed less than two hours after the scene was cleared.   The Tejas, built by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is promoted as a key part of India’s efforts to upgrade its air force fleet. The aircraft has also been showcased heavily in recent years as India seeks to position itself as a growing defence producer.   The crash comes at a time when regional tensions remain high. India and Pakistan engaged in heavy military exchanges earlier this year after violence in Indian-administered Kashmir. During that conflict, Pakistan claimed to have downed multiple Indian aircraft, a claim India initially rejected. Later, a senior Indian military official admitted the loss of several jets.   A US report released in November noted that the fighting highlighted the role of Chinese-supplied weapons in Pakistan’s arsenal, which make up more than 80 percent of its imports from 2019 to 2023.   Friday’s incident is the second recorded crash of a Tejas jet. The first occurred in March last year in Rajasthan, where the pilot survived.   More stories in our Cricket News section.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim reached a major milestone on Thursday by scoring a century in his 100th Test match, achieving the feat against Ireland in Mirpur on day two of the second Test. The veteran batter resumed the innings on 99 not out and completed his hundred with a single early in the morning session, drawing loud appreciation from the home crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. The 38-year-old became part of a select group of international cricketers who have scored a century in their 100th Test. The elite list includes Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Colin Cowdrey, Gordon Greenidge, Alec Stewart, Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Joe Root, and David Warner. Mushfiqur’s landmark innings was his 13th Test century, bringing him level with Mominul Haque for the most centuries by a Bangladesh batsman. A gritty century for Mushfiqur Rahim in his 100th Test match 😍💪#BANvIRE 📝 : https://t.co/mGNtnRan1A pic.twitter.com/X997VMfkEB — ICC (@ICC) November 20, 2025 His innings ended at 106, when he edged a delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys to second slip, where Andy Balbirnie completed a sharp catch. Irish players offered warm applause as Mushfiqur walked back, acknowledging the ovation from the Mirpur crowd. He faced 214 balls and struck five boundaries, helping Bangladesh recover after a shaky start at 95-3 on day one. Bangladesh already lead the two-match series, having won the opening Test by an innings and 47 runs, and Mushfiqur’s latest performance further strengthened their position.

Mushfiqur Rahim was born on 9 May 1987 in Bogura, Bangladesh. Raised in an academically focused family, he completed his schooling at Bogura Zilla School and later studied History at Jahangirnagar University, earning his master’s degree in 2012. He married Jannatul Kifayet Mondi in 2014, and the couple welcomed a son, Mayan, in 2018. Rise Through Youth Cricket Before entering the international arena, Rahim represented Bangladesh Under-19s in Youth Tests and ODIs. He captained a talented squad in the 2006 U-19 World Cup, guiding the team to the quarter-finals. His strong batting performances earned him a recall to the senior Test squad shortly after the tournament. International Debut and Early Impact (2005–2010) Rahim debuted in 2005 on Bangladesh’s maiden tour of England. Selected as a specialist batter at Lord’s, he became one of the youngest players to appear at the historic venue. His early years included steady progress as a wicketkeeper-batsman, culminating in a rapid century against India in 2010 — the fastest Test hundred recorded by a Bangladeshi player. Establishing Himself as a Core Performer Former national coach Jamie Siddons praised Rahim’s ability to bat anywhere in the top order. Over the next decade, Rahim became Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer across formats, accumulating over 11,000 international runs and more than 400 wicketkeeping dismissals. He set numerous Test milestones, including becoming the country’s highest individual scorer and the first wicketkeeper in the world to record multiple double-centuries. Domestic Success and Franchise T20 Career Rahim maintained a prolific domestic career with Rajshahi Division, scoring over 6,500 first-class runs. In the Bangladesh Premier League, he consistently ranked among the leading run-scorers for teams such as Sylhet Royals, Chittagong Vikings, Khulna Tigers and Barishal Bulls. His T20 franchise experience extended to the Afghanistan Premier League, where he represented Nangarhar. Significant Contributions and Return to Form (2010–2014) Rahim’s strong performances prompted his reinstatement as Bangladesh’s first-choice wicketkeeper by 2009. He delivered crucial innings in both ODIs and Tests, including vital partnerships in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Despite periods of inconsistency, he continued to hold his place due to his reliability and adaptability. Captaincy Era (2011–2018) Rahim was appointed Bangladesh captain in 2011 following a disappointing tour under the previous leadership. His tenure included Bangladesh’s memorable run to the 2012 Asia Cup final and several competitive series. His own batting thrived during this period, highlighted by Bangladesh’s first-ever Test double-century, scored by Rahim against Sri Lanka in 2013. Major Milestones and World Cup Performances (2017–2019) Rahim achieved several personal milestones, including his 100th Test dismissal as a wicketkeeper and Bangladesh’s first century against South Africa in any format. In the 2019 World Cup, he produced standout performances: an 80 against South Africa and his maiden World Cup century versus Australia. Record-Breaking Test Feats and Late Career (2020–2025) In 2020, Rahim scored his third Test double-century, reinforcing his status as Bangladesh’s greatest Test batsman. He later became the first Bangladeshi to win 150 international matches and set the record for the fastest ODI century by a Bangladesh player in 2023. That same year, he became the first Test cricketer in 72 years to be dismissed for obstructing the field. Rahim was selected for the 2025 Champions Trophy squad and retired from ODI cricket in March 2025.