ULAB Crowned Champions as ABG University Cup 2026 Concludes in a Grand Celebration

The ABG University Cup 2026 cricket tournament concluded with an exciting final, enthusiastic crowds and a grand closing ceremony at Anvir Cricket Stadium in ABG Sports City on Friday (November 13). University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) emerged as champions after defeating Sonargaon University in the title-deciding match.

The final brought together two teams that had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Both sides displayed individual skill, teamwork and determination, keeping spectators engaged throughout the contest. Students, teachers, sports enthusiasts and invited guests from different universities attended the match, creating a festive atmosphere across the stadium.

The entire ABG Sports City turned into a lively gathering around the final. The stands witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with students cheering, applauding and chanting in support of their respective teams. The vibrant crowd added to the excitement of the floodlit match and the closing celebrations.

A grand prize-giving and closing ceremony followed the match. Shezad Akbar Sobhan, Director of Rangpur Riders, attended as the chief guest. Former national cricketers and prominent sports personalities Habibul Bashar Sumon, Khaled Mahmud Sujon, Niamur Rashid Rahul, Sanowar Hossain and Halim Shah were present as special guests.

Among others, the ceremony was attended by ABG Sports City Director Mohammad Emrul Hasan; Bashundhara Group Adviser Mainul Hossain Chowdhury; ABG Sports City Advisers Bidyut Kumar Bhowmik, Md. Liaquat 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.

Players were also recognised for outstanding individual performances during the tournament. The award recipients were:

Champions: University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)

Runners-up: Sonargaon University

Player of the Final: Farhan Jani (ULAB)

Best Batter of the Tournament: Zakirul Ahmed Jem (ULAB)

Best Bowler of the Tournament: M H Rakib (ULAB)

Player of the Tournament: Zakirul Ahmed Jem (ULAB)

Fan Cup: American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

The tournament was organised to promote cricket at the university level, identify emerging talent, and foster healthy competition and friendship among students. Initiated by Anvir Bashundhara Group and managed by ABG Sports City, the competition aimed to encourage greater youth participation in sports.

The organisers expressed their commitment to continuing similar initiatives in the future, with the expectation that such competitions will contribute to the development of university-level cricket and create opportunities for emerging players.

The ABG University Cup 2026 represents part of Bashundhara Group's broader initiatives to support youth development and sports in Bangladesh. Under the guidance of Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and the leadership of ABG Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir, ABG Sports City and its modern Anvir Cricket Stadium are providing advanced sporting facilities for young athletes and university students.

The initiative reflects the role of corporate investment in developing sports infrastructure, identifying new talent, and engaging young people in constructive activities. Sports enthusiasts hope that continued support of this kind will contribute to a stronger future for Bangladesh's sporting sector.