Record teams in schools cricket

The 21st National Schools Cricket Championship has got underway with a record number of teams taking part.

The traditional event for the beginners, which had already begun on December 17, has attracted 930 educational institutions and as well as involving 58 districts this year.

The figure is up by 18 in terms of participation. The popular event was introduced by KZ Islam way back in 1982.

This year Rajshahi Division boasts the highest 220 participants while the number in Dhaka Metropolis has also increased from 110 to 120 schools.

Riazuddin Al Mamun, an advisor of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, made the disclosure at press briefing yesterday.

David Fletcher, the chief executive officer of sponsors Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, was also present at the briefing.

The reputed bank has been patronising the meet for the last five years. And for this year's tournament they have pledged twenty lakh taka.

Dhaka zone matches will however start on January 6 and the matches will held at five different venues. They are -- Mirpur Outer Stadium, East End Club ground, Uttara Friends Club ground, City Club ground and Kalindi ground.

Like previous years it will be a 35-over-contest in the first round. Two schools from Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong and Khulna will be joined by the winners from Sylhet and Barisal in the final round. While Dhaka Mahanagari will provide four teams as usual for the final phase.

Defending champions BKSP and runners-up Comilla High School are the automatic qualifiers in the 16-team finals.