The Expat World Cup 2027 has officially been launched with an ambitious vision to unite Bangladeshi communities across the globe through cricket, culture, and international engagement.
The tournament was formally unveiled at a grand ceremony held at The Westin Dhaka on 22 October, where organisers revealed plans for clubs from 30 countries to compete in matches hosted across 10 nations, making it one of the largest sporting initiatives ever undertaken by the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Organised by AB Media Group, the launch event featured the unveiling of the Expat World Cup trophy and a ceremonial cake-cutting session attended by sports personalities, policymakers, business leaders, and members of the cricket community.
Australia to Host Opening Match, UAE to Stage Grand Final
According to organisers, tournament matches will be played in:
Australia
United States
United Kingdom
Italy
Japan
Bangladesh
Oman
United Arab Emirates
Qatar
Malaysia
Australia has been selected to host the opening match, while the grand final will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Organisers also announced plans for an international gala night during the final, with AB Media Group CEO Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan revealing that efforts are underway to invite Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as a special guest.
30 Nations Expected to Participate
The inaugural edition is expected to feature cricket clubs representing Bangladeshi expatriate communities from 30 countries, including:
Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Oman, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Afghanistan, Scotland, Germany, Singapore, the Maldives, the Netherlands, the UAE, Qatar, Japan and Bangladesh, among others.
The tournament aims to provide a unique platform where expatriate Bangladeshis can connect through sport while celebrating their shared cultural heritage.
Sports Minister Praises Initiative
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, who attended as chief guest, described the initiative as a significant opportunity for expatriate Bangladeshis who contribute substantially to Bangladesh’s economy through remittances.
“Those who send us remittances deserve initiatives like this, which will encourage them. Bringing cricket clubs from 30 countries together through this tournament will create new hope and enthusiasm among expatriate Bangladeshis.”
He said the tournament could strengthen Bangladesh’s international profile through sports diplomacy while helping build stronger links between expatriate communities and the country’s sporting institutions.
The minister also reiterated plans to construct stadiums across all 495 upazilas in Bangladesh as part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development.
Building Global Opportunities Through Sport
Speaking at the event, Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, CEO of AB Media Group, highlighted the broader economic and social potential of the initiative.
He said the international experience and professional networks of successful Bangladeshis living abroad could be leveraged to create employment opportunities for young people in Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh’s vast young population must be transformed into a skilled workforce through proper training and development. By utilising the international networks and experience of established Bangladeshis living abroad, we can create new employment opportunities overseas.”
He added that increased international engagement could help boost foreign currency earnings and contribute to national economic development.
Years of Planning Behind the Project
Nirjon Mosarrof, Founder and Managing Director of AB Media Group and Founder of the Expat World Cup initiative, said the launch marked the culmination of extensive planning and international coordination.
He expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for its support and noted that organisers are maintaining regular communication with an ICC fan manager to ensure professional tournament delivery.
Nirjon Mosarrof also revealed that AB Media Group has launched its own OTT platform to support high-quality global broadcasting of tournament matches and related content.
Cricket as a Bond for Bangladeshis Worldwide
Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar described cricket as a powerful force that brings Bangladeshis together regardless of where they live.
“For Bangladeshis, cricket is not just a game; it is a powerful bond of emotion, love and unity. Through cricket, we can bring together expatriate Bangladeshis living thousands of miles away and strengthen their sense of national identity, pride and solidarity.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours