No World Cup, No Problem: BCB Unveils Massive 2.5 Crore Tournament
When the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The decision, stemming from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) refusal to travel to India for the global event, threatened to leave a massive void in the country’s cricketing calendar.
However, the BCB has moved with lightning speed to turn a crisis into an opportunity.
In a defiant and ambitious move, the board has unveiled the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026. Translating to “Indomitable” in Bangla, the tournament is not just a filler event—it is a statement. With a massive prize pool, the introduction of the controversial “Impact Player” rule, and the country’s biggest stars staying home to compete, this 5-day spectacle promises to be an intense civil war of cricket.
The Context: Why ODOMMO Matters
The backdrop to this tournament is dramatic. The BCB’s decision to withdraw from the World Cup in India was reportedly met with resistance from senior players, including T20I captain Litton Das. With Scotland taking their spot on the global stage, Bangladeshi fans were left staring at a blank screen.
To bridge this gap and quell player dissatisfaction, the BCB has created a high-stakes domestic window.
“We will be giving match fees along with other things. We are expecting to announce a good amount as prize money and all these efforts are taken to make sure that the tournament is competitive,” a BCB official stated.
This confirms that the ODOMMO Cup is not an exhibition; it is a battle for supremacy and a chance for players to earn significant paychecks during the World Cup window.
The Teams: A Clash of Captains
The tournament will feature three elite teams, effectively splitting the national team squad into three competitive units. The leadership group is a mix of current hierarchy and future potential.
Litton Kumar Das, the national T20I skipper who was reportedly unhappy with the World Cup withdrawal, will lead Dhumketu XI. He will be up against Najmul Hossain Shanto, the calm and composed leader of Durbar XI, and Akbar Ali, the U19 World Cup-winning captain who takes charge of Duronto XI.
Table 1: Teams and Leadership Core
| Team Name | Captain | Key Narrative |
| Dhumketu XI | Litton Kumar Das | The national captain looking to prove a point. |
| Durbar XI | Najmul Hossain Shanto | The tactical genius challenging the hierarchy. |
| Duronto XI | Akbar Ali | The young challenger leading the next gen. |
Big Money and “Impact” Rules
To ensure the players take this seriously, the BCB has poured money into the event. The board announced a total financial package (Prize Money + Player Fees) of Tk 2.5 Crore (approx. Rs 1.87 Crore). For a tournament lasting just five days, these are significant stakes.
Furthermore, the BCB is using this opportunity to modernize its domestic structure. The tournament will officially introduce the Impact Player Rule, a tactical innovation popularized by the IPL, allowing teams to substitute a player mid-match to alter the game’s course.
Table 2: Tournament Financials & Format
| Feature | Details |
| Total Prize Pool | Tk 2.5 Crore (~Rs 1.87 Crore) |
| Format | Single Round Robin + Final |
| New Rules | Impact Player Rule Active |
| Entertainment | Cultural Program daily at 4:00 PM |
The Coaching Brain Trust
The BCB has appointed some of the most respected names in local coaching to guide these teams. Interestingly, former superstar Mohammad Ashraful returns to the fold in a coaching capacity, assisting the veteran Mohammad Salahuddin.
Table 3: Coaching Staff Appointments
| Team | Head Coach | Assistant Coach |
| Dhumketu XI | Mohammad Salahuddin | Mohammad Ashraful |
| Durbar XI | Mizanur Rahman Babul | Tushar Imran |
| Duronto XI | Hannan Sarkar | Rajil Saleh |
Schedule and Venue: 5 Days of Fire
The tournament is a sprint, not a marathon. It will be held entirely at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
To build hype, the BCB has organized a fitness camp starting Sunday, February 1, ensuring players are match-ready.
The daily schedule is designed for fans, with cultural festivities kicking off the evening before the cricket takes center stage under lights.
Table 4: ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup Schedule
| Date | Event | Time (BST) |
| Feb 1 (Sun) | Fitness Camp Begins | Morning |
| Feb 5 (Thu) | Group Match 1 | 6:00 PM |
| Feb 6 (Fri) | Group Match 2 | 6:00 PM |
| Feb 7 (Sat) | Group Match 3 | 6:00 PM |
| Feb 8 (Sun) | Rest Day | — |
| Feb 9 (Mon) | Grand Final | 6:00 PM |
Ticket Prices: Cricket for Everyone
In a bid to fill the stadium and show the world that cricket fever in Bangladesh is alive—even without the World Cup—the board has kept ticket prices extremely affordable.
Table 5: Ticket Pricing (Sher-e-Bangla Stadium)
| Stand Category | Price (BDT) |
| Eastern Gallery | 100 |
| Northern/Southern Gallery | 200 |
| Club House | 500 |
| Grand Stand (VIP) | 1,000 |
Editorial Conclusion: A Bold Gamble?
The ODOMMO Cup is a fascinating experiment. While the world watches India, Australia, and England battle for the World Cup, Bangladesh is looking inward.
By naming it “Indomitable,” the BCB is trying to send a message of resilience. Whether this tournament can satisfy the hunger of fans and the ambition of players like Litton Das remains to be seen. But for five days in February, Mirpur will be the center of the Bangladeshi cricketing universe.
