Shakib buys hockey team in franchise tournament

Shakib Al Hasan, a star all-arounder, has purchased a side in the forthcoming hockey franchise competition Bangladesh Champions Trophy (BCT).

The nation’s Test and T20 captain acquired ownership through his business, Monarch Mart.

In a festive event held today at a major hotel, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) revealed the franchise names. Along with Monarch Mart, other team buyers included ACME, Saif Powertech, Walton, and Rupayan Group. The sixth and last owner’s identity was still a secret.

The competition, which will follow the model of the cricket T20 tournament Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will begin in the third week of October with six franchisees.

“I think the potential of hockey in Bangladesh is more than any other sport. So I am happy to be part of this tournament,” Shakib who was present in the program said.

“First of all when I joined BKSP, my roommate was a hockey player, my elder brothers were hockey players. We used to go to the hockey ground to watch the hockey game. So the interest in hockey was there long ago. It’s nice to be with any sports, not just hockey. Most importantly, a sport is a place where we can keep the youth away from drugs.

Ace Sports Management Company will host the Bangladesh Champions Trophy as scheduled by the Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

Throughout the 20-day event, 34 games will be contested at Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium.

Others in attendance included the BHF president and Air Chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan, acting BHF general secretary Mohammad Yousuf, former national hockey player and general secretary Abdus Sadeque, ACE chief patron and Bashundhara Group vice president Safwan Sobhan, ACE chief executive officer Istiaque Sadeque, and representatives of franchises.

This article has been posted by a News Hour Correspondent. For queries, please contact through [email protected]
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