Unveiling the trophy amidst the verdant tea gardens

Trophy unveiling ceremonies are usually grand affairs, often held in iconic locations with photo sessions. In the past, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) organised a unique photo session at a metro station, featuring two captains.

This time, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has come up with an even more innovative concept. The trophy for the T20 series between Bangladesh and Ireland was unveiled in the lush tea gardens of Sylhet.

After a dominant performance in the three-match ODI series against Ireland, resulting in a clean sweep, the Bangladesh team has moved to Sylhet. The three T20 matches will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, starting on 5 December.

On the eve of the first match, captains Nigar Sultana Joty and Gaby Lewis unveiled the trophy at the Malnichhara Tea Estate, dressed in traditional tea workers' attire. This unique idea has been widely appreciated, with many sharing the photos on social media.

Previously, the men's team had unveiled a series trophy in a tea garden, but the captains wore their jerseys during that event. This time, the approach was different, and Nigar considers it a special experience, describing it as "beyond imagination."

Speaking at a press conference, the Bangladesh captain said, "The men's team did it before, a photo session in a tea garden. But this time, wearing traditional outfits in such a unique way… it feels almost like a dream. When I first heard about it, I was thrilled. It's a great initiative that could promote women's cricket differently."

Following their dominant ODI series win, Bangladesh aims to carry the momentum into the T20 series. Nigar emphasised the team's goal of winning the series, saying, "We are definitely focused on winning. I think we're in a very good position. If we can maintain this momentum, it will be a great achievement for the team."

She added, "After the ODI series, the team is brimming with confidence. Our aim will be to maintain this consistency here as well. We've played in Sylhet before, and we are quite familiar with its favourable pitches. Although it's a different format, we cannot take anything lightly. Taking one match at a time will be the wisest approach."

Despite their confidence, Nigar acknowledged Ireland's capabilities in the T20 format and stressed the importance of being cautious. She remarked, "We are optimistic and confident but not overconfident. I believe our team performs best when everyone contributes. It's not just about playing well but about executing our plans and delivering as a team. Ireland played well in the ODI series, especially in the second and final matches. They are good in T20s, so we can't afford to take them lightly."

Nigar concluded by highlighting the importance of teamwork and proper execution, which will be pivotal in their quest for success in the series.