Preparations at Mirpur’s academy grounds are in full swing as cricketers practise with intense focus, interspersed with casual chatter and laughter. Amid this, several Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) directors made an appearance, engaging in extended discussions with players. Though the exact content of these conversations remains private, the atmosphere reflects a blend of diligence and anticipation.
Meanwhile, the main Sher-e-Bangla Stadium is abuzz with last-minute arrangements. Lights are being tested, broadcasters are finalising technical setups, and BCB President Aminul Islam surveys every detail to ensure smooth execution. All this meticulous planning is for the inaugural Adommo Bangladesh T20 Cup, which begins tomorrow. Yet, despite the excitement, the absence of Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup weighs heavily on the players’ minds.
One national player, who would have been part of the World Cup squad, admitted candidly: “All the arrangements in the world can’t erase the disappointment of missing the World Cup. But this is a tournament, and we have to play it.”
The underlying reason for the players’ despondency lies in recent circumstances. Following concerns over player safety, Bangladesh decided not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, a move that became necessary after Mustafizur Rahman was withdrawn from the IPL. The BCB proposed hosting the matches in Sri Lanka, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) did not approve the alternative, resulting in Bangladesh’s absence from the global tournament.
While players have accepted the decision for safety reasons, the emotional and financial impact is unavoidable. To partially offset the loss, the BCB has organised the four-match Adommo Bangladesh T20 Cup, offering total prize money of BDT 2.565 million through match fees and awards. However, financial compensation cannot entirely replace the missed opportunity to compete on the world stage, a goal the team has been preparing for over the past two years.
Assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, whose squad includes 12 World Cup players, noted the lingering disappointment: “Honestly, it’s very hard to shake off. Not everyone can stay mentally strong, and overcoming the feeling of loss is difficult. But dwelling on it only harms yourself.”
The tournament opens with a match between Dhumketu XI and Duronto XI at 6 pm tomorrow. Duronto coach Hannan Sarkar, focusing on youth development, emphasises the players’ hunger to perform: “We have a lot of ambitious players eager to prove themselves. Their excitement outweighs any sense of World Cup replacement.” Notable participants include recent U19 World Cup players Azizul Hakim, Jawad Abrar, and Iqbal Hossain.
The teams are structured as follows:
| Team | Captain | Notable Players |
|---|---|---|
| Dhumketu XI | Liton Das | Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam |
| Durbar XI | Najmul Hossain | Mohammad Saifuddin, Khaled Ahmed, Al Fahad |
| Duronto XI | Akbar Ali | Azizul Hakim, Iqbal Hossain, Jawad Abrar |
Tournament Schedule
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | Dhumketu XI vs Duronto XI | 6:00 pm |
| 6 Feb | Dhumketu XI vs Durbar XI | 6:00 pm |
| 7 Feb | Durbar XI vs Duronto XI | 6:00 pm |
| 9 Feb | Final | 6:00 pm |
Prize Money & Awards
| 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 |
Matches will be broadcast live on T Sports. Students can attend free of charge with valid ID or school uniform. Cultural events accompany daily matches, starting tomorrow at 4 pm with performances by the Warfaze band.
With meticulous planning, high-quality squads, and vibrant fan engagement, the Adommo Bangladesh T20 Cup aims to channel players’ focus, excitement, and competitive spirit, helping momentarily to soothe the disappointment of missing the T20 World Cup.