In a splendid blend of sport and heritage, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the trophy for the upcoming Bangladesh–West Indies T20 International series in front of one of Chattogram’s most iconic landmarks — the Central Railway Building (CRB). The ceremony, held on Sunday at noon, set a new benchmark for creativity in cricket presentation, merging the nation’s sporting enthusiasm with its rich historical identity.
A Unique Backdrop for a Sporting Tradition
The Central Railway Building, constructed during the British colonial era, stands as a timeless symbol of Chattogram’s architectural legacy. Built in 1872, it served as the headquarters of the Assam–Bengal Railway, which was first laid in 1862 to connect Eastern Bengal with Assam. The site also features Bangladesh’s first steam locomotive, now preserved as a public monument at the CRB entrance — a proud reminder of the nation’s industrial and cultural past.
In front of this majestic heritage site, Bangladesh captain Litton Das and West Indies skipper Shai Hope jointly unveiled the series trophy at precisely 12 PM, capturing a perfect moment that bridged the nation’s past and present. Following the official unveiling, both captains posed for photographs alongside the vintage steam engine, symbolising the connection between Bangladesh’s cricketing spirit and its historic roots.
A Heritage-Inspired Celebration
The ceremony drew considerable attention from photographers, journalists, and fans gathered around the CRB grounds. In the lively atmosphere, the captains’ interactions and photo sessions turned the event into a visual celebration of friendship and heritage. The gathering felt almost like a “captains’ unveiling”, as the energy and excitement of the players matched the grandeur of the backdrop.
This marks yet another creative approach by the BCB to make cricket an instrument of cultural storytelling. By placing the trophy against such historical settings, the board aims to present Bangladesh to the world as a country where heritage, history, and hospitality meet modern sport.
Part of BCB’s ‘Cricket Tourism’ Initiative
The event forms a key component of the BCB’s Cricket Tourism Programme, organised in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board. This initiative seeks to promote Bangladesh’s architectural and archaeological heritage alongside international cricket events, offering fans and visitors a deeper experience beyond the stadium.
The BCB extended its gratitude to the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for their cooperation in making the event possible.
“We want cricket to be a medium through which the world sees Bangladesh’s beauty, culture, and heritage,” a BCB spokesperson said. “Every match is not just a sporting event — it’s also a chance to showcase our national pride.”
A Continuation of a Cultural Trend
This is not the first time the BCB has linked cricket with history. Before the ODI series against the West Indies, the trophy unveiling ceremony was held at Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka — a 17th-century Mughal-era monument and one of Bangladesh’s most recognisable landmarks. The fort’s historical aura provided a dramatic backdrop for the earlier series, drawing praise for its elegance and originality.
Following that success, the BCB’s decision to host the T20I trophy unveiling in Chattogram, the country’s principal port city, further highlights its commitment to bringing cricket to culturally significant locations.
Series Details and Outlook
The Bangladesh vs West Indies T20I series consists of three matches, all to be played in Chattogram. The first match is scheduled for Monday, 27 October, with play starting at 6 PM local time. The series forms a crucial part of Bangladesh’s preparations for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20 | 27 October 2025 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | 6:00 PM |
| 2nd T20 | 29 October 2025 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | 6:00 PM |
| 3rd T20 | 31 October 2025 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | 6:00 PM |
Bangladesh, led by Liton Das, will look to extend their strong home record, while Shai Hope’s West Indies will aim to bounce back after their 2–1 defeat in the ODI series.
A Perfect Union of Past and Present
By staging this unveiling at the Central Railway Building, the BCB has once again proven that cricket in Bangladesh is more than just a game — it is an integral part of the nation’s story.
From Lalbagh Fort’s Mughal legacy to the colonial-era charm of the CRB, the board continues to reimagine how sport and heritage can coexist. For fans, it’s a reminder that every match played on Bangladeshi soil carries not just the roar of the crowd, but also the echoes of history.
