DIU wins Brac University's Ayesha Abed T-10 women's cricket tournament

Daffodil International University defeated Uttara University by 121 runs to win the Ayesha Abed T-10 Inter-University Women's Cricket Tournament, which concluded at BRAC University on Thursday (15 October).

The two-day tournament featured women's cricket teams from 12 universities across Bangladesh and was organised as part of BRAC University's 25th anniversary celebrations, according to a press release.

Inaugurating the tournament, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Islam stressed the need to create opportunities for students to pursue sports professionally alongside their academic studies. He said educational institutions should organise sporting events throughout the year and expressed interest in collaborating with private universities to promote sports.

BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said students needed opportunities to develop their physical and mental well-being alongside a diverse range of skills. University Treasurer Ariful Islam said BRAC University was working to improve its sports infrastructure.

The tournament is named after Ayesha Abed, wife of BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, who played a key role in empowering rural women through employment and livelihood opportunities. The Ayesha Abed Foundation continues her work to help women in rural communities become self-reliant.

Puja Rani Sarkar, a law student from Daffodil International University, was named Player of the Tournament and the best bowler after taking two hat-tricks. Shayla Sumaiya Srishti, a student of Nutrition and Food Engineering, was named the Best batter for scoring four centuries in five matches. She scored 114 runs off 27 balls in the final. 

Daffodil International University received Tk100,000 as champions, while runners-up Uttara University received Tk50,000. National women's cricket team player Juairiya Ferdous Joyita, BRAC University Registrar Dr David Dowland and Head of Student Life Tahsina Rahman presented the trophies.

The participating universities were BRAC University, Daffodil International University, Uttara University, North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, East West University, Northern University Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, University of Asia Pacific and Stamford University Bangladesh.

The tournament also promoted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 5 on gender equality, by encouraging student participation in sports and expanding opportunities for women in cricket.