BCB Announces New Domestic T20 Tournament in Dhaka

Key Takeaways:

• BCB has launched the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026 during the World Cup window.
• The tournament will run Feb 5–9 at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka.
• Three teams will compete, led by Litton Das, Shanto, and Akbar Ali.
• Prize pool is BDT 2.5 crore, with tickets starting at BDT 100.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has launched a fresh domestic competition called the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026, giving local cricket fans something to look forward to during the current T20 World Cup window.

The tournament will be staged at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, and will run from February 5 to February 9. While the global spotlight remains on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the BCB has opted to keep competitive cricket sports alive at home by arranging this short-format event featuring several of Bangladesh’s top names.

With Bangladesh missing out on this year’s World Cup, the board’s latest initiative is being viewed as an effort to maintain match sharpness among leading players while also providing supporters with high-quality entertainment.

Three Squads to Compete in the Tournament

The Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup will feature three teams, each led by a prominent Bangladeshi cricketer. The captains and teams have been confirmed as:

• Litton Das will lead Dhumketu XI
• Najmul Hossain Shanto has been named captain of Durbar XI
• Akbar Ali will take charge of Duronto XI

The squads are expected to include a strong blend of established performers and rising talents, making the competition highly competitive despite its brief schedule. With only a limited number of matches, every game is expected to carry major weight, which could lead to high-pressure situations from the opening day.

BCB Confirms Significant Financial Rewards

In addition to the competitive format, the BCB has also introduced a notable financial incentive. The board has announced a total prize fund of BDT 2.5 crore, which includes participation payments for the players involved.

This level of prize money suggests that the tournament is not just a filler event but an initiative the board wants to promote seriously. For many players, it will also serve as a valuable opportunity to perform under spotlight conditions while earning meaningful rewards.

Impact Player Rule to Add More Strategy

To bring extra excitement and tactical variety, the BCB has confirmed that the tournament will be played under the Impact Player rule, a feature that has gained popularity in several modern T20 leagues.

This rule allows teams to introduce a substitute player during the match who can influence the outcome significantly. The addition is expected to make matches more unpredictable, as captains and coaching staff will need to carefully plan when and how to use the extra option. It may also encourage more aggressive gameplay, which is often a major attraction for T20 audiences.

Evening Matches and Fan Activities Planned

The schedule has been arranged with fans in mind. All matches will be played in the evening, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 6:00 PM.

To make the tournament more than just cricket the BCB has also planned entertainment programs starting from 4:00 PM each matchday. This is expected to create a livelier stadium atmosphere, with cultural events giving spectators more reason to arrive early and enjoy a full matchday experience.

Tournament Seen as a Key Step for Domestic Cricket

The Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup arrives at a time when Bangladesh cricket is under increased attention. The team’s absence from the T20 World Cup has raised questions and disappointment among fans, making this domestic tournament an important platform for players to respond with strong performances.

Although the tournament lasts only a few days, it has the potential to deliver fast-paced action, strong competition, and renewed excitement among supporters in Dhaka. If successful, the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup could become a recurring fixture in Bangladesh’s domestic calendar in the years ahead.