Cumilla Modern, Police Lines Bogura reach national school cricket final

Cumilla Modern High School and Police Lines School and College Bogura secured their spots in the national round final of the ongoing Prime Bank National School Cricket Tournament 2024–25 after winning their respective semifinals at separate venues in Dhaka on Monday.

Powered by Afnan Intehad's ton (144 off 120 balls) and Pranto Debnath's five-wicket haul (5-25), Cumilla beat Pirojpur Government High School by 102 runs at the Behara Teguria Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, at the National Cricket Ground in Purbachal, Akash Roy's 83-run knock helped Police Lines overcome Collectorate Collegiate School with a 32-run victory.

The final will be held on Thursday at the Bashundhara Sports Complex Cricket Ground.

"Traditionally, the school cricket final is held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. However, due to an ongoing Emerging Team match at the venue, this year's final will take place at the Bashundhara Sports Complex," AEM Kawser, BCB's Game Development Manager, told The Daily Star on Monday.

Kawser also revealed that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to invite short-listed players from the tournament for trials after Eid-ul-Azha. Additionally, the number of scholarships awarded to players has been increased from 15 to 20 this year.

"We've identified several promising new players," he said. "Short-listed players from the district, divisional, and national rounds will be invited for a screening process involving around 100 participants. From there, a 30-member preliminary squad will be selected. After a two-week training camp, the final squad of 20 to 22 players will be announced."

"Previously, we awarded scholarships to 15 players. This year, we've increased that number to 20 after discussions with our sponsors. We're also working on arranging overseas tours for players emerging from this tournament," Kawser added.