Chattogram to host first-ever Regional Cricket Tournament

The first-ever regional cricket tournament is set to take place in Chattogram on August 28. 

Eleven district teams from the Chattogram division will compete in this T-20 format tournament.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at a city hotel on Thursday afternoon. Akram Khan, a BCB director and member of the tournament committee, stated that the tournament aims to rejuvenate grassroots cricket in the region. 

However, he expressed concerns about the tournament's continuity after potential changes in leadership.

Responding to queries about the tournament's future, Akram Khan mentioned that the BCB president's interest in organising a regional tournament prompted the initiative. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the tournament for the benefit of cricket in the country.

The tournament features 11 teams assigned to six sponsoring organisations through a lottery system. While each organisation received two teams, many sponsors are unaware of their team compositions. Sponsors expressed their willingness to support cricket development but highlighted the need for more information about their teams to effectively work with them.

The tournament's budget is approximately TK 80 lakh, with the BCB contributing TK 43 lakh and the sponsoring organisations providing the remaining TK 37 lakh. Teams will receive various facilities, including preparation expenses, accommodation, food, sportswear, daily allowances, and travel allowances.

The first matches will be held at Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium and Chattogram Jilla Stadium starting from August 28. The tournament comprises two groups with a total of 25 games in the group stage, leading to two semi-finals and a final.

BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul will inaugurate the tournament on August 28. The champion team will receive a prize money of TK one lakh while the runner-up team will be awarded TK 50 thousand.

The participating teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Fortis Rangamati, Continental Khagrachhari, Asian Chittagong, Ispahani Feni, and AB Bank Chandpur. While Group B consists of Continental Brahmanbaria, Fortis Comilla, Ispahani Lakshmipur, Clifton Cox's Bazar, AB Bank Noakhali and Asian Bandarban.

BCB Director Manjur Alam Manju and representatives from the sponsoring organisations attended the press conference.