Expat World Cup 2027 officially launched to unite expatriates through cricket
The international amateur cricket championship, Expat World Cup 2027, has been officially announced, with the tournament bringing together cricket clubs from 30 countries. The trophy was unveiled at a grand ceremony at The Westin Dhaka on Thursday, October 22, organised by AB Media Group.
Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque attended the event as the chief guest. Also present were AB Media Group Founder and Managing Director Nirjon Mosarrof, CEO Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, Member of Parliament Sanjida Islam Tuli, Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Rafiqul Islam Babu, former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar, and former cricketers Mehrab Hossain Opi and Javed Omar Belim, among other prominent sports figures.
Praising the initiative, Aminul Haque said the tournament would encourage expatriate Bangladeshis, whose remittances play a vital role in the country's economy. He said involving cricket clubs from 30 countries would create fresh hope and enthusiasm among expatriates. He added that sports diplomacy could strengthen Bangladesh's international relationships and connect expatriate and domestic cricketers. He also expressed hope that expatriate players would eventually represent the national cricket team, as Hamza Choudhury has helped raise Bangladesh's profile in football. The minister said stadiums would be built in 495 upazilas.
AB Media Group CEO Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan said Bangladesh's large youth population should be transformed into a skilled workforce through proper training. He added that the international networks and experience of established Bangladeshis abroad could help create employment opportunities overseas, increase foreign currency earnings and contribute to national economic development.
Regarding the tournament schedule, Bhuiyan said the opening match would take place in Australia, while the final would be held in the United Arab Emirates. He also announced that Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan would attend the gala night organised around the final.
AB Media Group Founder and Managing Director Nirjon Mosarrof said the event had taken considerable effort to bring to fruition. He described the current government as sports-friendly and said the Bangladesh Cricket Board had assured the organisers of its fullest cooperation. He thanked the board for its support.
Mosarrof also said the organisers were in regular contact with an International Cricket Council event manager to ensure the tournament was conducted smoothly. He added that an OTT platform had been launched to provide international-standard broadcasting.
Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar said cricket was more than a game for Bangladeshis; it was a powerful bond of passion, love and unity. He said cricket could bring expatriate Bangladeshis living thousands of miles away together and strengthen their national identity, pride and sense of community.
Mehrab Hossain Opi, Bangladesh's first ODI centurion, praised the initiative to organise an international tournament involving 30 countries. He expressed hope that sustained editions of the competition, alongside collective efforts to develop Bangladesh cricket, would make a significant contribution to the sport.
Former cricketer Javed Omar Belim said the tournament could help develop a cricket culture among expatriate Bangladeshis while creating opportunities to advance Bangladesh cricket internationally.
MP Sanjida Islam Tuli said expatriates' remittances underpin the country's economy and acknowledged their contribution to the July uprising. She expressed gratitude and pledged support for the initiative.
Other speakers included Bangladesh women's cricketer Jannatul Sumona, Expat World Cup advisers Afzal Hossain and Belal Uddin Tuhin, sports organiser Masum Bhuiya, athlete Shariful Haque Shipon, international sports organiser Rimon Islam, and P2P Group Chairman S. M. Mostafizur Rahman. Bangladesh wheelchair cricket captain Mohammad Mohsin was also among those attending.
According to the organisers, the inaugural Expat World Cup 2027 will feature cricket clubs from 30 countries, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Oman, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Afghanistan, Scotland, Germany, Singapore, the Maldives, the Netherlands, the UAE, Qatar, Japan and Bangladesh.
