Shakib buys a hockey team for BCT

Ace cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, through his company Monarch Mart, bought one of the franchises that will be competing in an upcoming hockey league, the Bangladesh Champions Trophy (BCT), as the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) revealed the names of the franchises in a colourful ceremony at a city hotel today.

Apart from Monarch Mart, ACME, Saif Powertech, Walton and Rupayan Group also bought teams. The name of the sixth and final owners was yet to be disclosed.     

Shakib was present and explained his reason for buying a hockey team.

"As I studied at BKSP, I am familiar with all sport. I have many friends in hockey. Among them are former, current and upcoming players. I also roomed with a hockey player [national player Imran Hasan Pintoo], so I have a good connection with hockey. Hockey sticks were always around me in my room," Shakib told reporters.

"On a serious note, hockey has good potential. I have just heard that Bangladesh are ranked 27th despite only 16 countries playing the hockey World Cup. Hockey is not that far off. I believe a gap of nine places can be reduced easily if hockey is promoted in the right way. If everyone takes the right initiative, then we can play hockey World Cup," Shakib told a crowded press briefing.

Asked how long the corporate houses would continue with sport if they did not get decent returns on investment, Shakib said: "Firstly, it is a good option to start a franchise league because this model is very successful in the world. I think it is good to follow this model in sport. Of course, corporate houses will think about returns, but I think the hockey federation will think about that and take decisions with everyone's best interests in mind."

Shakib informed that he used to enjoy the competitive hockey matches at BKSP. He also opined that the Bangladesh Champions Trophy would produce some new players for the national hockey team.

 "I believe at least three new players will emerge for the national hockey team. I believe hockey will go forward within a short period of time if the BCT continues," Bangladesh's Test captain said.

34 matches will be played at Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium during the 20-day tournament, starting from the third week of October.

BHF president and air chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan, BHF's acting general secretary Mohammad Yousuf, former national hockey player and general secretary Abdus Sadeque, ACE chief patron and Bashundhara Group vice president Safwan Sobhan, ACE chief executive officer Istiaque Sadeque and representatives of franchises were among others present.