The inaugural Bangladesh District Cup Cricket Competition UK has been officially launched.

The indoor competition has been organised with the aim to unite cricket enthusiasts from across Bangladesh who live in the UK.

The tournament organisers are hoping that the showpiece event will support the growth of recreational cricket and help promote integration amongst non-resident Bangladeshis by using their shared love of this global game.

This year sees an indoor 8 a side competition in East London during March 2019, comprised of 8 districts: Dhaka, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Maulvibazar, Chittagong, Mymensingh and Sylhet.

Jawar Ali, Director of Essex Cricket Board & General Secretary - BCSA UK commented at the launch event, “We want to support each other and grow cricket. We will link this tournament to Bangladesh Independence Day. Proceedings will take place at two arenas within the University of East London complex.

"This is all about inclusion and celebrate and bring together our communities.”

Shahidul Alam Ratan, CEO of Capital Kids Cricket and a former Bangladesh National Cricketer and Coach added, “We are the fastest growing cricket community in East London. This is very positive and we want to keep this momentum going. This is one way to connect everyone and a broader way of bringing everyone together. We are playing for fun, enjoyment and unity.”

Abdus Salam, President, Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association (BSCA) UK concluded, “There will be great fun had by all. We ourselves will be playing - This event is organised by cricketers for cricketers Join us! Support us!”

All three cricketing personalities conducted a live draw at the official press conference held at the Blackwall Reach Community Centre.

Red Group

Mymensingh

Sylhet

Comilla

Sunamganj

Green Group

Chittagong

Moulvibazar

Dhaka

Khulna