A festive atmosphere prevails in the sports arena of Nilphamari as the District Sports Association First Division Cricket League 2025-26 officially kicked off with a grand ceremony. On Friday morning (May 15, 2026), this major cricketing event was inaugurated at the Nilphamari Mini Stadium by releasing colorful balloons. The opening match featured a face-off between Northern Cricket Club, Nilphamari, and City Cricket Club, Saidpur. The Deputy Commissioner of Nilphamari and President of the District Sports Association, Mr. Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his keynote speech, he stated, "Today's event will take Nilphamari's cricket one step further. We want world-class talents like Rishad Hossain and Marufa Akter to emerge from this very ground. The District Sports Association is committed to ensuring all kinds of facilities for the players. We aim to continue our competitions despite any adverse weather conditions.
Mr. Abu Mohammad Soyem, Member Secretary of the District Sports Association, delivered the welcome address. He noted, "We are determined to keep the game on the field by overcoming weather challenges. While the First Division starts today, we are also planning to launch the Second Division Cricket League very soon. Regular competitions like these will help bring out skilled and future star cricketers from the grassroots level of our district. Special guests who attended and wished for the success of the league included Mr. Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury Shamim, Administrator of the District Council, and Mr. Mir Selim Faruque, Convener of the District BNP. Also present were Mr. Prosenjit Roy, Executive Magistrate of the District Administration; Mr. Dewan Shahin Zaman, OC (Investigation) of Nilphamari Police Station; Mr. Abul Hashem, District Sports Officer; and Mr. Miladur Rahman Mamun, General Secretary of the Nilphamari Press Club.
A total of eight formidable teams are participating in this year's league, divided into two groups, 'A' and 'B'. The participating teams are: City Cricket Club (Saidpur), Northern Cricket Club, Rising Cricket Academy (Saidpur), Choumuhani Cricket Academy (Saidpur), Arunodoy Cricket Club, Star Cricket Club (Saidpur), Nilphamari Cricket Academy, and Nazrul Smriti Cricket Academy.
The league, organized on a points-table basis, has generated immense enthusiasm among local sports lovers. The event was attended by former and current cricketers of Nilphamari, journalists from print and electronic media, and local dignitaries. According to cricket experts, the launch of this long-awaited league will breathe new life into Nilphamari's cricket and provide a significant platform for young players to prove their mettle. The District Sports Association has sought everyone's cooperation to complete the tournament smoothly and successfully.
