Rajshahi calls for BPL matches as Warriors bring trophy home

Bangla Press Desk:  Rajshahi Warriors had just completed a fairytale first season, winning the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title in their debut campaign. For the city, it was a long-awaited validation. For captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and many other Rajshahi players, it was something far more personal — pride for his hometown mixed with the pain of missing out on the upcoming T20 World Cup.

On Monday, Rajshahi players enjoyed an open-top bus tour around the Rajshahi city with the BPL trophy already shining under the winter sun. As the party rolled past Rajshahi University, thousands of supporters flooded the streets waving banners reading “The trophy has come home” and “City of heroes.”

Skipper Shanto, senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib and the other players in the squad lifted the trophy again and again, dancing atop the moving bus as music blared and fans roared back. But behind the smiles of the BPL champions lay a quieter, deeper story.

Shanto did not hide the conflict inside him. “Playing the BPL for Rajshahi for the first year and winning the trophy is an extra special joy,” he said. “As a local boy from Rajshahi, playing for Rajshahi in the first year and winning the cup feels very joyful and very good. At the same time, not being able to play in the World Cup is difficult for every cricketer. As a player, we always want to play cricket.”

He stopped short of confrontation, but the pain was unmistakable. “Whether it’s Bangladesh Cricket Board or those who are in charge above us — they are our guardians, and they have taken the decision they felt was best. But again, I would say that as a cricketer, it would have been better if we could play. Still, the decision that came from the cricket board and our government — I fully respect it.”

For Mushfiq, Rajshahi offered something different: closure and connection. The veteran was visibly moved by the reception as university students showered the players with flowers, took off their shirts to be signed, and chanted the team’s name.

“Receiving everyone’s love — and I definitely think this was deserved by the people of Rajshahi,” Mushfiq said. “After a long time they have won a trophy, and for our Nabil Group this is a very big achievement. They formed a team in the BPL for the first time and became champions in their very first attempt. So, Alhamdulillah, it feels very good.”

As the bus entered Rajshahi University’s Paris Road, Mushfiq looked down at the sea of faces. “It felt incredibly beautiful,” he said. “This was something the people of Rajshahi truly deserved. They haven’t won a title for a long time, so our joy doubled by coming here. I would have loved to stay among them for longer, but that’s a bit impossible. Still, seeing their love and being able to share this happiness with them feels really good. Alhamdulillah.”

The celebrations also revived an old question: why doesn’t Rajshahi host BPL matches? Mushfiq believes the answer should change.

“Definitely. I think BPL should be held not only in Rajshahi but in both Rajshahi and Bogura grounds. And for BPL to happen, whatever work needs to be done — I hope, Insha’Allah, that BCB will look into that, as there is still a year’s time. If matches are held in Rajshahi and Bogura next time, the number of spectators will be even higher,” he said.

Shanto echoed that belief — not just as captain, but as a son of the soil. “It’s a different kind of good feeling,” he said as the bus passed Rajshahi Collegiate School and Rajshahi College, both packed with cheering students. In Rajshahi, whether fans or cricketers, everyone celebrates cricket with great joy and enthusiasm — it’s an emotional place.”

Rajshahi has always produced cricketers. But Shanto believes this trophy can give something more powerful: belief. “Many great players have come from here in the past and are still playing now. So this is a matter of great pride for us. As players, it’s an emotional moment that we were able to bring the cup to Rajshahi this time. The fan following and the way the spectators supported the Rajshahi team this year motivated us throughout the entire tournament. And being able to bring the cup to them is something to be proud of.”

For the next generation, he hopes the impact will be long-lasting. “This victory will help take Rajshahi cricket a long way forward. There are many young cricketers here who dream of playing for the Bangladesh team and in the BPL. So I believe this win will help them a lot.”

But he also had a message for those who run the game locally. “Many tournaments don’t happen regularly like before — so my message to them would be to organise these tournaments every year on a regular basis and create opportunities for players. If the grounds and facilities in Rajshahi are properly developed by the cricket board or those responsible here, then I think BPL and even international tournaments will gradually come to Rajshahi. And through this, I believe many great cricketers will emerge from Rajshahi,” he said.

BP/SP