Industrial Police beat APBn to clinch IGP Cup Cricket Championship 2024-25

The Industrial Police cricket team clinched the title of the IGP Cup Cricket Championship 2024-25 after a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) team in the final.

Held at the Bangladesh Police Cricket Club ground in the capital's Police Staff College (PSC) premises in Mirpur today, the final was played in the T20 format and witnessed intense competition between the two sides.

Industrial Police chased down a target of 155 with one ball to spare, finishing at 158 for 8 in 19.5 overs.

Earlier, APBn, having won the toss, opted to bat first and posted 154 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

 Rafi Ahmed Bhuiyan of APBn was named player of the tournament for his consistent performance throughout the championship.

 Jannatul Naeem from the champion Industrial Police side was adjudged Player of the Final. Masud from the Chattogram Range was awarded Best Batsman, while Kajol from Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) earned the Best Bowler award.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, distributed trophies and individual awards among the champions, runners-up, and top performers during the prize-giving ceremony, which was presided over by Additional IGP of CID and President of Bangladesh Police Cricket Club Mohammad Shibghat Ullah.

Expressing his joy, IGP Baharul Alam said, "Despite our busy schedules and demanding duties, coming to such sports events brings a refreshing change. Often, I attend these events out of obligation, but once I'm on the field, I feel I shouldn't have missed it. Today's match was particularly thrilling, going right down to the second-last ball. It was truly an exciting game and a fantastic event."

He added, "I thank everyone who worked hard to organise the IGP Cup tournament, from maintaining the grounds to coordinating the matches and inviting guests. I especially thank the players for their spirited participation. I also request that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) continue supporting us in advancing our team's performance. I was delighted to learn today that our team has already played in the First Division — that's wonderful news."

He also thanked the attending journalists for helping spread news of police sports activities to a wider audience.

The event was attended by several Additional IGPs, heads of various police units based in Dhaka, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed, Director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, and a large number of spectators who enjoyed the fiercely contested final.

The Bangladesh Police Cricket Championship 2024-25 commenced on April 17. A total of 19 teams from different police units participated in the tournament, which featured four groups — A, B, C, and D — and was held across two venues: Mirpur Police Lines Ground and Bangladesh Police Cricket Club Ground.