From a colourful, sometimes controversial and sodden opening ceremony to boxers caught up in a gender row to refugees on the podium, they served up many memorable moments.

The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur got abuzz as the players are preparing for the 11th edition of the franchise-based Bangladesh Premier League, beginning December 30.

"Bhalobashi", Pakistan’s speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi said in broken Bengali, smiling as he faced the reporters in front of the media centre.

For over two decades, the "Big Three" of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic dominated the sport, pushing each other to unimaginable heights. Now, a new story begins.

Ritu Porna Chakma, the Most Valuable Player of SAFF Women's Championship, spoke about the campaign and the aftermath of the success.

In a conversation with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan on Wednesday, the pace sensation opened up about the flying start to his Bangladesh career and what he plans to achieve in 2025. The excerpts are as follows: 

As for the year that is winding down, it was neither an overarching triumph nor a debilitating failure. The stench of mediocrity was present, but so was vivacious tenacity. Above all, it was an interesting year in cricket for Bangladesh -- one that fans would not forget soon.

The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will kick off on December 30, with defending champions Fortune Barishal taking on Durbar Rajshahi in the curtain raiser at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Cricketers from overseas have started flying into Dhaka to take part in the forthcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today and franchises are hoping to begin training with their respective foreign recruits from tomorrow.

Offering him a fresh chance to prove his worth at the upcoming 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the right-hander has been picked by Dhaka Capitals from the draft.

The women’s team excelled once again, winning their second successive SAFF Women’s Championship title, while the men’s team remained stuck in mediocrity. Age-level teams found success at SAFF level while Bashundhara Kings carried on with their domestic domination.

Neer not only claimed the national chess championship but also became the country’s youngest International Master.

Dhaka Capitals head coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon said the players will be disappointed if ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan eventually does not participate in the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), starting on December 30.

Five U-19 cricketers including skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim and pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon, who were part the Asia Cup winning squad in the UAE, featured in the just-concluded National Cricket League T20 held in Sylhet, showcasing notable performances that caught the eyes of the franchises.

The charges of former Australia pacer Shaun Tait will begin honing their skills at 1:00 pm today at the National Cricket Academy Ground in Mirpur.

The 56-year-old previously worked as the head coach of the Pakistan U-19 team and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League.

Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan enthralled the audience as BPL Music Fest kicked off the Festival of Youth 2025 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.

The fest hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will start from 2:00pm today

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to host the fest tomorrow from 2:00pm

Renowned musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is set to perform at the BPL T20 Music Fest, slated for December 23 at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. The event will also be held at the tournament’s two other locations, Chattogram and Sylhet, in the coming days.