Revival of Sylhet Cricket: DSA T20 League Kicks Off on May 6

After years of inactivity, cricket in Sylhet is set to revive with fresh energy. Starting May 6, 2025, the Sylhet District Stadium will host the DSA T20 Cricket League. Featuring national stars, local talents, and the determined leadership of a newly formed sports committee, this tournament marks the first step toward reclaiming Sylhet cricket’s lost glory.

A Once-Glorious Cricketing Powerhouse Poised for a Comeback

At one time, the Sylhet Cricket League was considered the second-best domestic competition in the country after the Dhaka League. Legendary names like Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga played in the league, alongside former Bangladesh captains Akram Khan, Aminul Islam Bulbul, and Minhajul Abedin Nannu.

However, in recent years, Sylhet cricket faced stagnation. The absence of a structured league, irregular second division competitions, and a lack of promotion-relegation led to a decline in competitiveness, turning a proud legacy into a fading memory.

Reform Sparked by Public Movement in July-August 2024

Following public protests across the country in July-August 2024, Sylhet too saw a wave of demands for reforms in domestic cricket. Players and fans united in calling for a return to structure and discipline. After nearly nine months without a valid committee, the Sylhet District Sports Association (DSA) formed an ad-hoc committee, which quickly sprang into action.

Within just seven days, the DSA organized the T20 league aiming to revive cricket in the region and provide a platform for emerging players.

Six Teams, One Goal—Revival

At a press conference held at the Tipu Majumder Press Box of Sylhet District Stadium, Advocate Imran Ahmed Chowdhury unveiled details of the tournament. The six participating teams are named after prominent rivers of Bangladesh:

• Padma Platoon

• Meghna Super Giants

• Jamuna Warriors

• Surma Gladiators

• Kushiara Super Kings

• Bashia Titans

Squads include players from Sylhet district, the divisional team, and first and second division cricketers. To ensure transparency, players, coaches, assistant coaches, and managers were selected via lottery.

National team pacers and Sylhet’s own Syed Khaled Ahmed and Abu Jayed Rahi will play for Meghna Super Giants and Padma Platoon respectively.

“Not Easy, But Necessary” — DSA’s Commitment

DSA ad-hoc committee member and sports journalist Yahia Fayzal stated,

“Organizing a tournament in just seven days is no easy task, but it had to start somewhere. Cricket is the heartbeat of Sylhet. We’re working to restore its lost legacy.”

He added that following this league, the DSA plans to organize a full-fledged first division league (with promotion-relegation) and a second division league. This T20 tournament is seen as the starting point for the revival of Sylhet cricket.

A Call to the Fans

The Sylhet District Sports Association has called on sports lovers, clubs, and spectators to come to the stadium and enjoy the matches. The tournament offers a rare chance to see local stars in action, witness thrilling contests, and be part of a re-emerging cricket culture.

“This is not just a tournament,” said Imran Ahmed Chowdhury.
“It’s a message to the cricketing community of Bangladesh—Sylhet is back in the game.”

DSA T20 Cricket League 2025 – At a Glance

• Start Date: May 6, 2025

• Venue: Sylhet District Stadium

• Number of Teams: 6 (named after rivers)

• Notable Players: Syed Khaled Ahmed, Abu Jayed Rahi

• Format: T20 (Compact schedule ahead of monsoon)

• Organizer: Sylhet District Sports Association (Ad-hoc Committee)