BCSA Tornado Cricket Tournament 

Emdad Rahman

THE FIRST EVER Tornado Cricket Cup, organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association (BCSA), was hailed a big success in encouraging inactive cricketers to return to the game.

The Cup day was held at the Sir George Monoux College, Walthamstow, and was supported by the Essex County Board and co-ordinated by Ayaz Karim. The aim was to promote cricket to all age groups, with the ages of those participating ranging from 19-55 years old.

On show were completely new players to the game, established stars – and quite a few personalities who returned after over a decade out of the game. Sponsors who supported the event from beginning to end included London Tigers, Taj Solicitors, Chelsea Spice and Grill, Target Properties, Capital Kids Cricket and Memsaheb on Thames.

Teams in the six game tournament were named after six former Captains of Bangladesh cricket:
•Shamim Kabir
•Rakibul Hassan
•Shafiq Ul Haq Heera
•Gazi Ashraf Lipu
•Minhajul Abedin Nannu
•Faruk Ahmed

The Team Nannu XI beat Heera XI in the final. Aminul Islam Shihan was the top scorer, with 25 from seven balls. Ayaz and Nashit Rahman’s brilliant bowling performances were also key in securing the win.

The Cup presentation, hosted by Jawar Ali, included a medal for each participant. Guests participating in the presentation included Arfan Akram, BCSA President Abdus Salam, Salim Yasin, Sajid Patel (Co-founder of the National Cricket League), Shahidul Alam Ratan, Ibrahim Meah and Nashit Rahman.

Winning captain Ayaz Karim said, “Today cricket is the winner. I’m really proud that we have raised the profile of our sport in the community and the fact that the new and old have mixed so well says a lot about what we are trying to achieve. On a personal level we are delighted with the win. Thank you to all our supporters for making this happen.”

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