BRAC University hosted the Ayesha Abed T-10 Inter-University Women’s Cricket Tournament to mark its 25th anniversary, bringing together teams from 12 universities in a two-day competition that concluded on Thursday.
Daffodil International University defeated Uttara University by 121 runs in the final to win the tournament.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Islam inaugurated the tournament, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for students to pursue sports professionally alongside their studies.
He also highlighted the need to ensure year-round sporting opportunities for students and expressed interest in collaboration with private universities to promote sports.
BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said students need opportunities to maintain their physical and mental well-being while developing diverse skills beyond the classroom.
The university’s Treasurer, Ariful Islam, said BRAC University was working to develop its sports infrastructure.
The tournament was organized in honour of Ayesha Abed, wife of BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and a key organizer within the organization. She worked to empower rural women, expand employment opportunities and organize marginalized communities through awareness-raising and livelihood initiatives.
Following her death, the Ayesha Abed Foundation was established to continue supporting rural women’s self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The tournament also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, and SDG 5, which promotes gender equality.
Twelve institutions participated in the competition: BRAC University, Daffodil International University, Uttara University, North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, East West University, Northern University Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, University of Asia Pacific, and Stamford University Bangladesh.
Shayla Sumaiya Srishti, a student of Nutrition and Food Engineering at Daffodil International University, scored four centuries in five matches, including 114 runs off 27 balls in the final. She was named Player of the Tournament.
Puja Rani Sarkar, a Law student, was named Best Bowler after taking two hat-tricks during the competition.
Daffodil International University received Tk100,000 as champions, while runners-up Uttara University received Tk50,000.
National women’s cricket team player Juairiya Ferdous Joyita, BRAC University Registrar Dr David Dowland and Head of Student Life Tahsina Rahman presented the trophies.
