Mohammad Ashraful, former captain of the national cricket team, Tamim Iqbal and former captain of the national football team Aminul Haque inaugurated the tournament by flying balloons and pigeons at Shahid Chandu Stadium on Sunday (November 10, 2024) around 11:30 am. Rajshahi Red team beat Rajshahi Green team by 34 runs in the opening match of Zia Cricket Tournament. Chasing the target of 140 runs set by the red team by batting earlier, the green team was reduced to 105 runs in 18.4 overs.

The maximum 32 runs for the team came from the bat of Shafiul Islam Suhas. He scored this run in 19 balls with 4 sixes and a four. Red team Rimon Hossain took 3 wickets and Ekramuzzaman took 2 wickets. In the only match of the day, the Rajshahi Green team won the toss and sent the Rajshahi Red team to bat. The Red team scored 139 runs for 5 wickets in the scheduled 20 overs. Naeem Ahmed scored an unbeaten 38 runs for the team. Green team Farhad Reza, Roni and Naeem Jr got one wicket each.

During this time, tournament committee convener Rafiqul Islam Babu, member secretary Debbrat Pal, tournament advisor Mir Shahe Alam, BNP Rajshahi Divisional Organizing Secretary Shaheen Shawkat, Advisor to BNP Chairperson Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu, Habibur Rahman Habib, Bogra District BNP President Rezaul Karim Badsha, Acting General Secretary Mosharraf Hossain and Shaheed Chandur’s brother and a member of Shaheed Selim’s family in the 24-year student movement were present at the inauguration ceremony. A large number of spectators sat in the gallery and enjoyed the game.

On behalf of the organizing committee and the audience, Shahid Chandu Stadium was once again strongly demanded to be made an international venue.