Chittagong Kings aiming to rule over BPL | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
May 28, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025
Chittagong Kings aiming to rule over BPL

Sports

Mostafijour Rahman Pranto
26 December, 2024, 01:05 pm
Last modified: 26 December, 2024, 01:09 pm

Related News

  • Durbar Rajshahi settle 75% payment of local players
  • A sea of fans welcomes Fortune Barishal’s title celebrations
  • How the Tigers' Champions Trophy squad performed in the BPL
  • BCB takes control of BPL player payments after recurring issues
  • Miraz named player of the tournament, Tanzid best emerging cricketer

Chittagong Kings aiming to rule over BPL

The Kings were part of the inaugural BPL in 2012 and reached the finals in 2013 before their exit in 2014.

Mostafijour Rahman Pranto
26 December, 2024, 01:05 pm
Last modified: 26 December, 2024, 01:09 pm
Chittagong Kings aiming to rule over BPL

With the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 around the corner, the spotlight is on the much-anticipated return of the Chittagong Kings. Absent from the tournament since 2014, the franchise is making a comeback with an ambitious plan, a strong squad, and a determination to leave a mark. Sameer Quader Chowdhury, the owner of the team, opens up about their journey, challenges, and dreams for the future in an exclusive interview.

The Kings were part of the inaugural BPL in 2012 and reached the finals in 2013 before their exit in 2014. Now, after a decade-long hiatus, the team is back. According to Chowdhury, this return was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a long-held aspiration.

"We've always had the intention to participate," Chowdhury reflects. "Certain circumstances prevented us from doing so over the past few years. This time, we received the confirmation we needed and decided to proceed."

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Despite being away from the franchise, Chowdhury never lost his passion for the game. To stay connected, he kept himself engaged through fantasy drafts and strategic planning as a fan. "When the opportunity came to rejoin, I was ready," he shares.

The BPL has faced its fair share of challenges, including controversies surrounding payment delays. Chowdhury sets the record straight, explaining that the past issues stemmed more from negotiation-related disputes than a lack of intention to pay.

"This time, we've resolved all prior matters and are committed to ensuring there are no such issues again," he assures.

The Kings have also prioritised assembling a balanced team for their comeback season, blending experience and young talent. With the likes of Shoriful Islam, Angelo Mathews, and Shamim Hossain on board, Chowdhury is optimistic about the season, though Shakib Al Hasan's availability remains a concern.

"At the time of the draft, there were no restrictions on Shakib's participation, so we made a direct signing for him," Chowdhury notes. "Unfortunately, unforeseen issues arose, but we are planning how to restructure the team if needed."

Discussions are already underway with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a potential replacement. Chowdhury hopes to secure another left-arm spinner or all-rounder if Shakib is unavailable.

One of the franchise's core principles has always been nurturing local talent. This year, the Kings have included several young players in their squad, reflecting Chowdhury's belief in creating opportunities for rising stars.

"Beyond the BPL, I'm planning to establish a programme to identify and nurture young players from Chattogram," Chowdhury reveals. "I've already begun scouting new talent and setting up a project to develop them."

The National Cricket League (NCL) T20 tournament, held recently, has played a key role in uncovering hidden gems. Chowdhury has already approached a few promising players with plans to groom them under the Kings' banner.

Understanding the importance of fan support, the Kings are going all out to create excitement off the pitch. Through social media campaigns and initiatives like the Chittagong Kings Youth Festival, the team is fostering a deeper connection with the community.

"Our team will visit schools, colleges, and other institutions during the Chattogram phase of the tournament," Chowdhury says.

Notably, the franchise has retained the traditional spelling of its name, "Chittagong," despite the city's official renaming to "Chattogram." For Chowdhury, this decision stems from a desire to preserve the history and heritage associated with the name.

"My company is also named Dacca Dyeing, which uses the older spelling of Dhaka. It's a way of preserving a sense of history and tradition," he explains.

The BPL has often been criticised for not being profitable. Chowdhury, however, believes there is potential for financial success if the league is executed well.

"Even during our last season, while we faced minor losses, those were due to specific financial issues with the board," he recalls. "Growth takes time, but I believe the potential for profitability is there."

Chowdhury also acknowledges the need for discussions around revenue sharing between organisers and franchises. Though informal talks have begun, no concrete steps have been taken yet.

Debates continue around the balance of foreign and domestic players in the league. For Chowdhury, the presence of international players is crucial for the growth of local talent.

"Our players don't get much exposure to foreign leagues, so competing alongside experienced international players is invaluable," he explains. However, he stresses the need for more domestic T20 matches to provide consistent opportunities for emerging players.

As the Kings prepare for their long-awaited return, they do so with optimism, a solid team, and a vision for the future. Their focus remains on making an impact this season while building a sustainable and successful franchise.

"Inshallah, we're here to win it this time. We can go all the way!" Chowdhury concludes.

Top News

BPL / chittagong kings

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Leaders and activists of BNP gather at Nayapaltan ahead of the rally of three BNP affiliated organisations on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
    'We wanted election roadmap from Yunus, not staged resignation': Salahuddin at BNP rally
  • File Photo: Reuters
    Bangladeshi cos expecting increased costs due to tariffs, yet extremely optimistic about int'l growth: HSBC survey
  • Photo: Collected
    HC overturns graft convictions of Tarique, Zubaida

MOST VIEWED

  • Selim RF Hussain. Sketch: TBS
    BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain resigns
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Depositors need not worry as govt will take over banks before merger: BB governor
  • Graphics: TBS
    Suspicious banking activities surge by 56% since July: Cenbank
  • Photo: Collected
    DU student assaulted for protesting eve-teasing at Chadni Chowk
  • Illustration: TBS
    Bangladesh sees highest-ever per capita income of $2,820 in FY25, BBS provisional data shows
  • Officials protest inside the Secretariat on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, over a government ordinance amending the Public Service Act, 2018. Photo: Rajib Dhar
    Protest at Secretariat suspended as govt assures decision on ordinance tomorrow

Related News

  • Durbar Rajshahi settle 75% payment of local players
  • A sea of fans welcomes Fortune Barishal’s title celebrations
  • How the Tigers' Champions Trophy squad performed in the BPL
  • BCB takes control of BPL player payments after recurring issues
  • Miraz named player of the tournament, Tanzid best emerging cricketer

Features

In recent years, the Gor-e-Shaheed Eidgah has emerged as a strong contender for the crown of the biggest Eid congregation in the country, having hosted 600,000 worshippers in 2017. Photo: TBS

Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maath: The heart of Dinajpur

1d | Panorama
The Hili Land Port, officially opened in 1997 but with trade roots stretching back to before Partition, has grown into a cornerstone of bilateral commerce.

Dhaka-Delhi tensions ripple across Hili’s markets and livelihoods

2d | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Desk goals: Affordable ways to elevate your study setup

3d | Brands
Built on a diamond-type frame, the Hornet 2.0 is agile but grounded. PHOTO: Asif Chowdhury

Honda Hornet 2.0: Same spirit, upgraded sting

3d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Donald Trump warns Vladimir Putin he is 'playing with fire' over Ukraine

Donald Trump warns Vladimir Putin he is 'playing with fire' over Ukraine

42m | TBS World
Families of those injured and martyred in the July coup protest in the capital

Families of those injured and martyred in the July coup protest in the capital

1h | TBS Today
Trump administration suspends student visas in the US indefinitely

Trump administration suspends student visas in the US indefinitely

2h | TBS World
Crowds throng BNP’s youth rally

Crowds throng BNP’s youth rally

2h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net