In Mirpur, the Academy Ground was alive with activity as Bangladesh’s cricketers prepared for the much-anticipated Indomitable Bangladesh T20 Cup. Players were engaged in intense practice sessions, yet in the interludes, friendly chatter and team banter kept the atmosphere lively. Several Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directors were also present, observing interactions and holding prolonged discussions with the players, though the details of these conversations remained private.
Meanwhile, preparations extended to the main Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Organisers meticulously checked the lighting setup, broadcasters fine-tuned their equipment, and BCB President Aminul Islam moved across the stadium, ensuring every detail was in place ahead of the tournament’s opening day.
Yet, amidst all the excitement, a tinge of disappointment lingered among the players. One cricketer from the World Cup squad admitted, “All the grandeur and preparation cannot erase the pain of missing the World Cup. Still, this is a tournament, and we must give it our all.”
The underlying reason for this somber mood stems from the circumstances surrounding the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh opted out of the event in India due to security concerns, particularly after Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL. The BCB proposed hosting matches in Sri Lanka, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) did not approve the request. Consequently, Bangladesh will not participate in this year’s T20 World Cup.
The consequences extend beyond missing out on competition. Players face not only the disappointment of lost opportunity but also financial implications. To offset some of these losses, the BCB has organised this four-match T20 tournament, with players collectively earning BDT 2.565 million from prize money and match fees alone.
Tournament Schedule – Indomitable Bangladesh T20 Cup
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | Dhumketu XI vs Duronto XI | 18:00 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur |
| 6 Feb | Dhumketu XI vs Durbar XI | 18:00 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur |
| 7 Feb | Durbar XI vs Duronto XI | 18:00 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur |
| 9 Feb | Final | 18:00 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur |
Squads
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| Dhumketu XI | Liton Das (c), Saif Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam |
| Durbar XI | Nazmul Hossain (c), Habibur Rahman, Afif Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan, Zaker Ali, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Alis Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Saifuddin, Khaled Ahmed, Al Fahad |
| Duronto XI | Akbar Ali (c), Zisan Alam, Jawad Abrar, Mahfizul Islam, Ariful Islam, Mahidul Islam, Azizul Hakim, Ripon Mondal, Abdul Gaffar Saklain, Meherab Hossain, Rakibul Hasan, Nahid Rana, Iqbal Hossain |
Prize Money
| Award | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Champion | 10,000,000 |
| Runner-up | 4,000,000 |
| Man of the Tournament | 500,000 |
| Best Batsman | 300,000 |
| Best Bowler | 300,000 |
| Man of the Match | 100,000 |
| Match Fee | 50,000 |
| Match Win Bonus | 1,000,000 |
Coach Mohammad Salahuddin, leading the Dhumketu XI with 12 World Cup squad members, acknowledged the lingering disappointment among players. “Mentally, it is hard to shake off,” he admitted. “Not everyone can instantly switch focus. But dwelling on it only harms oneself.” He remains hopeful that players will channel their energy into the tournament.
Duronto XI coach Hannan Sarkar is focusing on the potential of young talent rather than viewing the tournament as a consolation for the World Cup. His squad includes players fresh from the U19 World Cup, such as Azizul Hakim, Jawad Abrar, and Iqbal Hossain.
Adding to the atmosphere, every match day will feature cultural programmes, with performances such as a Warfaze band concert on the first day. Spectators with tickets are welcome, while students with ID cards can enjoy the games for free from the Club House Stand. The tournament follows recognized T20 status, with the ICC-style “Super Sub” rule in effect after the first innings.
As the opening match between Dhumketu XI and Duronto XI kicks off at 6 PM on 5 February, Bangladesh cricket hopes the Indomitable T20 Cup will bring excitement, competitive spirit, and perhaps some solace to players and fans alike, offering a small respite from the disappointment of missing the World Cup.