London Bangla A Force for the community…
Fifth Anniversary Of Bangladesh District Cup Observed
Muhammad Talha
Celebrations have taken place to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Bangladesh District Cup Cricket Competition, organised by The Grassroots Trust and BCSUK.
During a working dinner at the Empire Indian in Shenfield it was announced that the annual showpiece event is undergoing restructuring and the 2024 edition will feature eight teams representing different districts of Bangladesh.
The group stage matches will be held at one of the Premier Division club grounds in Middlesex, with the final showdown in Essex.
Representatives in attendance were updated on exciting new developments which include working with Middlesex CCC and the England & Wales Cricket Board.
This year the deadline for team entries will be 10th June 2024 and participating team confirmations will be confirmed by 20th June.
There is also a planned formal launch at Lord’s Cricket ground and a kit Launch event in August.
Also to mark the fifth anniversary some appointments were announced; Shahidul Alam Ratan – CEO of Capital Kids Cricket as Chairman of the Technical Committee, Omar Hossain – BCB member, Chairman of the Marketing and Promotion committee, and Salman Ahmed as Chair of the organising committee.
BCSA Chairman Abdus Salam commented, “To improve the quality of the event we will reduce the number of teams to eight districts, and we will be seeking for applications from organisations to run each district team for a two-year franchise period.
“We are looking for a title sponsor so we hope businesses will come forward to support the most prestigious cricket competition in the Bangladeshi community.”
Omar Hossain added, “Each district needs to link with the business community and we will support and promote teams over the next four months to help make connections.”
Shahidul Alam Ratan explained the format of play, “The format will be based on the ECB Hundred and
icon players who have played first class cricket will be available at the players draft.
“As an MCC Member, I will work with the committee to organisation some pre event activities at Lord’s Cricket Ground and am calling on businesses and media to get involved with this event.”
The Bangladesh District Cup will take place in September 2024, with groups stage
matches played at Premier Division ground in Middlesex and the knockout and Grand Final earmarked for Essex.
Jawar Ali, Director of Essex Cricket in the Community explained the need to grow the event
and link with county bodies such as Essex, Middlesex and the ECB to build, enhance the Diverse Communities agenda and ensure there
are pathways created for talented players.
Former Bangladeshi National cricket players Enamul Haque Jnr and Jahirul Islam Omi
attended the event and were announced as the first two Icon Players who will participate at the event.
Enam was given the role to coordinate all the ICON players and Jahirul Islam said, “It is vital to promote the opportunities for young players so
that we can see more progress into county cricket and beyond.”
Special Guest Cllr Abdul Wahid Ali – Cabinet Member for Equalities and Inclusion at Tower Hamlets said, “Tower Hamlets has been the hub of growth for cricket in the past few years. The
council support this prestigious event and are working closely with Middlesex and
ECB on developing more cricket facilities.
Mash Mehter – Participation Manager at Middlesex CCC concluded, “Middlesex Cricket are delighted to support the fifth Bangladesh District Cup 2024.
As part of our Diverse Communities programme we welcome the competition moving the group matches to a top ground in Middlesex this year.
“Our Director and former England Player – Angus Fraser wishes you all the best of luck and we look forward to supporting the event programmes, and will host some pre competition events at Lords, the home of cricket, such as a kit launch and Icon
Player draft. Best wishes to the 8 Districts taking part.”
Other guest who spoke at the event included Shuhel Malique – Tower Hamlets Mayor’s Advisor for Sports and Youth, Siraj Uddin – Former Sylhet District Sports Association, Treasurer, Ayaz Karim – Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Cricket Sports Association UK, Sayfur Rahman, District Manager of Sylhet, District, and GM Evan – Umpire who will co-ordinate the competition as Secretary of the Technical Committee.
Also in attendance were Moynul Islam Shohag – Moulvibazar, Aminul Islam Shihan – Comilla, Ashraful Islam Jonny – Noakhali, Forhad Pathan –
Mymensingh, Sayed Hasan Tarif – Dhaka, Tufayel Ahmed – Habiganj, Emdad Rahman MBE – Head Coach of Sylhet.
The official launch event will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in July 2024.
The Bangladesh District Cup is organised by The Grassroots Trust and the Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association UK. This charitable
event aims to develop Bangladeshi cricket in the UK and promote up and coming cricket talent.
Readers interested in sponsoring or getting involved can contact Abdus Salam on 07787289207 or email Jawar Ali – jawar@grassrootstrust.org
