Sylhet:Sylhet, once a renowned hub for producing talented cricketers, is on a mission to restore its lost glory through a comprehensive grassroots development plan. This initiative follows nearly a decade of stagnation in the region's domestic cricket structure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the northeastern region, which has produced notable cricketers such as former Bangladesh captain Rajin Saleh and fast bowlers Ebadot Hossain, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Abu Jayed Rahi, has been struggling due to the absence of regular leagues and age-group competitions. This disruption has impacted the development of young cricketers and weakened the region's cricketing culture.
A renewed initiative involving the government, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and experienced sports organizers aims to reverse this situation. The government has formed an ad-hoc committee for the Sylhet District Cricket Association to accelerate cricket development, and the BCB has appointed veteran sports organizer Abdul Quiyum Choudhury as its director from Sylhet.
Quiyum Choudhury emphasized the need to restore domestic competitions and establish a development pathway for young players. He noted that previous cricketers from Sylhet achieved success largely through their own efforts, without the support of regular leagues or a structured development process.
Former national captain Rajin Saleh highlighted the absence of a structured system, which has deprived a generation of young cricketers of opportunities. He welcomed the initiatives to revive cricket at the grassroots level and suggested focusing on producing quality batters, alongside the ongoing pace-bowling talent identification programs.
The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed ad-hoc committees at district and divisional levels to revive sports activities across the country. Quiyum Choudhury expressed optimism that the involvement of experienced organizers would bring positive changes. Efforts are underway to restore Sylhet's sporting heritage and establish a development structure to nurture young talent.
Progress is already visible as the BCB has appointed coaches in the division and district to oversee age-level cricket. Sylhet coach Rana Miah shared that Sylhet Under-14, 16, and 18 teams have been formed and are currently in training to enhance their skills, with the goal of strengthening the country's cricketing pipeline.