Academy Cup to bring grassroots cricketers back to the field in Chattogram

The ‘Akbar 7 Group Academy Cup Cricket 2026’ is set to begin in Chattogram to give grassroots cricketers, who have been out of the field because competitive cricket leagues have long been suspended, a chance to play again.

The tournament will start on 10 November at the Chattogram Divisional Women’s Sports Complex ground.

The details were shared by tournament management committee member secretary Didarul Alam Chowdhury at a press conference held on Sunday (8 November) afternoon at the conference room of the Chattogram District Stadium.

He said a total of 24 teams will take part — 21 academies from Chattogram city and three from the upazilas of Chandanaish, Sandwip and Banshkhali.

A total of 31 matches will be played in the competition, including the group stage, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

To give grassroots cricketers a chance to share experience with seasoned players, every playing XI must include at least one first-division cricketer. However, a 16-member squad may include at most two first-division players.

The organisers said the main aim of the event is to keep young people away from drugs and social decay by engaging them in regular sports, and to restore the flow of new cricketers in Chattogram cricket.

The title sponsor of the tournament is Akbar 7 Group. The co-sponsor is Ambia Group.

The associate sponsors are Royal Hut, Atras Importers and Sportify Events.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is providing match balls and logistical support.