Sirajganj District lifted the Young Tigers Challenge trophy 2025-26, thrashing hosts Rajshahi District by 57 runs at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.
The tournament, organized by the BCB Game Development Department, featured eight district teams from the Rajshahi Division and was part of the Board's wider commitment to promoting cricket outside the traditional hubs.
The competition brought together players aged between Under-16 and Under-18, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their abilities under the guidance of experienced coaching personnel. A total of 16 coaches, eight from the BCB and eight from the region, were engaged in the tournament to mentor players and share their expertise.
Speaking about the initiative, BCB's Head of Game Development Habibul Bashar Sumon said: "Our President has placed a clear emphasis on decentralising the game and nurturing it from the grassroots."
"Development isn't about one single element. It's a layered process that involves coaching, infrastructure, opportunities, and motivation, especially in areas that haven't always had the right support."
He added: "What we've seen in this tournament has been extremely encouraging. The quality of talent, particularly in some of the lesser-known districts, took us by surprise, in the best way.
A group of former national cricketers, Mohammad Rafique, Mehrab Hossain Opee, Javed Omar Belim, Hasibul Hossain, and spin coach Shahid Mahmood were deployed to scout promising individuals.
They've identified eight standout batters, five pace bowlers, three leg-spinners, three left-arm spinners, one off-spinner and a wicketkeeper who have shown significant potential. These names will now be closely monitored as part of follow-up development process," Sumon said.
BCB President Md Aminul Islam, who has championed the cause of taking cricket to all parts of the country, praised Sirajganj's triumph: "It's uplifting to witness a team like Sirajganj, which hasn't traditionally been associated with strong cricketing performances, lift the trophy. "
"This is proof that talent exists everywhere, what it needs is opportunity and the right environment. Credit goes to the Game Development team, our logistics unit, and the local authorities whose combined efforts made this tournament possible." "BSS
