Sports Desk:

The BSA Short-Pitch Cricket Tournament 2024, featuring four teams, took place in a vibrant atmosphere at the Spartan Village playground in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday.

The tournament, held in a round-robin league format, saw a total of six matches. The participating teams were: Committee’r Team: Khela Hobe, Natok Kom Koro Piyo, Looking for Shotroos and Chuppu Pookie.

In the final, Natok Kom Koro Piyo emerged victorious over Committee’r Team: Khela Hobe by nine runs. Opting to bat first, Natok Kom Koro Piyo posted a challenging total of 78 for four in their allotted eight overs, thanks to a stellar unbeaten innings of 52 off 24 balls by opener Mohammad Mashrafi.

In response, Committee’r Team: Khela Hobe managed 69 for six in their eight overs, with Aungkan Sen’s top-scoring effort of 34 off 21 balls.

Mashrafi was instrumental not only with the bat but also with the ball, claiming two wickets for 13 runs in two overs. His all-round performance earned him the titles of player of the match and player of the tournament, while Committee’r Team’s Aungkan Sen became the top scorer, and Tawsif Imam Nadif of Natok Kom Koro Piyo was recognized as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Natok Kom Koro Piyo’s captain Md Rokonujjaman expressed his delight after winning the BSA Short-Pitch Cricket Tournament, crediting their success to strong teamwork.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for this incredible victory. This win is a result of outstanding teamwork and effort from every player. We are grateful to the BSA at MSU community, the organizing committee, and all our supporters for their immense support,” Rokonujjaman said during the post-match celebration.

“A special thank you to the other participating teams for their skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. This win is a celebration of all our collective efforts,” he said.

“This tournament has been announced as a charity event to support the flood victims in Bangladesh. We have been fundraising for the past week and held a successful event last Friday at the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, where we received overwhelming support from the community,” said Musaddeque A Syed, President of the Bangladesh Students’ Association at Michigan State University, during the inaugural ceremony of the short-pitch cricket tournament.

“As a community, we always enjoy our games, and I strongly believe that we should maintain mutual harmony and unity among ourselves through sports. I am committed to concluding this tournament on a high note, just like last year. We will respect all players equally to ensure the tournament’s successful conclusion,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, the exciting auction ceremony for the BSA Short-Pitch Cricket Tournament 2024 was held at the 1855 Leasing Office in East Lansing, Michigan. Four team owners—Aungkan Sen, Asif Iqbal Arnob, Md Rokunujjaman, and Proteek Roy—participated in the auction with a budget of 100 million each to assemble their teams of 10 players. Although the auction was conducted using fictitious currency to facilitate the process, it was filled with excitement.

Mahmudul Hasan Bappy emerged as the highest bid player, securing a spot on Proteek Roy’s team for 42 million. Sharif Safwan Hossain followed as the second-highest bid, joining Md Rokunujjaman’s team for 33 million, while Mahbub Amin became the third most expensive player, going to Aungkan Sen’s team for 30 million. The event not only promised thrilling cricket but also demonstrated the spirit of camaraderie and charity.

Players of Natok Kom Koro Piyo and other participating teams are seen celebrating the BSA Short-Pitch Cricket Tournament 2024 title at the Spartan Village playground in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday. – Md Altafur Rahma

Squads:

Committee’r Team: Khela Hobe: Aungkan Sen (captain), Khandoker Rahad, Musaddeque A Syed, Mir Tanvir, Md Shakil Ahmed, Mahbub Amin, Samin Matin, Mk Bashar, Md Saidur Rahman and Md Mahir Asif.

Natok Kom Koro Piyo: Md Rokonujjaman (captain), Safwat Ahnaf Aziz, Tawsif Imam Nadif, Md Altafur Rahman, Sharif Safwan Hossain, Sushmit Roddur, Md Ahosanul Hoque Suzon, Mohammad Mashrafi, Sayef Rahman Abir, Prakash KC and Md Wahidur Rahman.

Looking for Shotroos: Proteek Roy (captain), Md Shafiqul Islam Sumon, Rafin Auhon, Nusayb Sarwar, Forkan Saroar, Iyman Iftakher, Mahamudul Hasan Bappy, Pranjal Prithvi, Ragib Hasan and Arnab Mustafi Arka.

Chuppu Pookie: Towhidur Rahman Turag (captain), Tahmid Rahman, Tanvir Hassan, Dev Jyoti Ghosh Arnab, Md Tanvir Ashraf, Mahabub Faroque, Sakib Hasan, Waasif Faruquee, Fawaz Imtiaz and Pranta Nir Barua.