The Ireland cricket team has arrived in Bangladesh to play a two-match Test series and a three-match T20I series. For cricket enthusiasts in Sylhet, Sunday afternoon turned into a memorable occasion as the glittering Test series trophy was unveiled against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks — Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower and Keane Bridge.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday, 9 November, beside the Keane Bridge in Sylhet city, where the captains of both teams — Najmul Hossain Shanto of Bangladesh and Andy Balbirnie of Ireland — proudly presented the series trophy. The shining silverware symbolised not just a sporting contest, but also a celebration of history and heritage in one of Bangladesh’s most picturesque cities.
In attendance were several officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), along with Sylhet’s Deputy Commissioner, Sarwar Alam, who joined the event as a special guest. According to the organisers, the main aim of the ceremony was to foster a greater interest in sport among local communities while showcasing Sylhet’s rich cultural and historical identity alongside the excitement of international cricket.
The first Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The entire city has already taken on a festive atmosphere, with colourful banners, fan gatherings, and local businesses joining in to celebrate the rare occasion of hosting a full Test series.
Below is a summary of the series details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Bangladesh vs Ireland |
| Format | 2 Tests, 3 T20 Internationals |
| First Test Venue | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium |
| Start Time | Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. |
| Trophy Unveiling Location | Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower and Keane Bridge, Sylhet |
| Special Guest | Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam |
| Bangladesh Captain | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Ireland Captain | Andy Balbirnie |
Constructed in 1874, Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower stands as one of Sylhet’s most recognisable symbols of heritage. Built upon iron pillars with a corrugated metal structure, the clock tower features a 2.5-foot dial and two-foot hands, which still function today. The historic monument, located on the banks of the Surma River, has long been a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
By hosting the trophy unveiling in front of this landmark, organisers have successfully merged Sylhet’s proud history with its growing sporting reputation. As the Bangladesh-Ireland Test series begins, the moment marks not only a chapter in cricketing rivalry but also a celebration of Sylhet’s cultural legacy — one that the city’s residents will cherish for years to come.