Sports Correspondent:
The ABG University Cup 2026, one of the most exciting university-level sporting events in the country, came to a spectacular conclusion with a thrilling final and a colourful closing ceremony at the world-class Anvir Cricket Stadium in ABG Sports City on Friday (November 13).
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) emerged as champions after facing Sonargaon University in the much-anticipated final.
The final witnessed an exciting contest between two teams that had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Both sides displayed individual brilliance, strong teamwork and fighting spirit, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The enthusiastic presence of students and cricket fans added to the excitement, as the stadium echoed with cheers and chants in support of their respective teams.
The entire ABG Sports City turned into a festive gathering, with students, teachers, sports enthusiasts and invited guests from different universities attending the grand finale. The packed galleries, vibrant atmosphere and floodlit stadium made the occasion a memorable celebration of university cricket.
Following the match, a grand prize-giving and closing ceremony was held in the presence of distinguished guests.
Director of Rangpur Riders, Shezad Akbar Sobhan, attended the programme as the chief guest. Former national cricketers and renowned sports personalities Habibul Bashar Sumon, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, Niamur Rashid Rahul, Sanowar Hossain and Halim Shah were present as special guests.
Among others, the programme was attended by ABG Sports City Director Mohammad Imrul Hasan, Bashundhara Group Adviser Moynal Hossain Chowdhury, ABG Sports City advisers Bidyut Kumar Bhowmik, Md Liakat Hossain, Md Nazmul Alam Bhuiyan and Mahbubur Rahman, along with other senior officials.
The guests handed over trophies, medals and prize money cheques to the champion and runners-up teams.
The tournament was organised with the objectives of promoting cricket at the university level, identifying emerging talent and fostering healthy competition, sportsmanship and mutual understanding among students.
Organised under the overall initiative of Anvir Bashundhara Group and managed by ABG Sports City, the tournament marked an important step towards engaging the younger generation in sports. The organisers expressed their commitment to continuing such initiatives in the future.
Alongside team achievements, outstanding individual performers were also recognised in different categories for their performances throughout the tournament.
The successful staging of ABG University Cup 2026 reflects Bashundhara Group’s continued efforts to promote youth development and strengthen the country’s sporting landscape.
Under the guidance of Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and the dynamic leadership of ABG Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir, the country’s sports infrastructure has continued to expand, with ABG Sports City and its modern Anvir Cricket Stadium emerging as a major sporting destination for young and aspiring athletes.
Equipped with world-class facilities, ABG Sports City provides an important platform for university students and emerging cricketers to showcase their abilities and pursue sporting excellence.
The successful conclusion of the tournament highlights the role of private-sector initiatives in developing sports infrastructure, discovering new talent and encouraging a healthy, drug-free and dynamic younger generation.
More than just a cricket competition, ABG University Cup 2026 has been a celebration of youth, talent, teamwork and sportsmanship. Sports enthusiasts hope that such initiatives and continued support will further strengthen the future of cricket and sports in Bangladesh.
