Five Players, Including Soumya Sarkar, Withdraw as Squads Are Revised for Victory Day Exhibition Match

In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) has organised a special exhibition match featuring some of the country’s leading national team cricketers. Designed as a celebratory and symbolic fixture, the match will see the players divided into two teams—Odommo (Indomitable) and Aporajeyo (Unconquerable)—reflecting the spirit of resilience and triumph associated with the historic day.

Although the squads for the match had already been announced, CWAB has now confirmed a series of changes following the withdrawal of five players from the originally selected line-ups. The most prominent among those to step aside is Soumya Sarkar, whose absence has necessitated a reshuffle in the Odommo squad. Taking his place is left-handed opener Naim Sheikh, who now earns an opportunity to feature in the high-profile fixture.

Soumya Sarkar is not alone in withdrawing from the event. Four other cricketers—Nasum Ahmed, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib—have also opted out, reportedly due to personal and professional considerations. Their decisions prompted CWAB to bring in fresh faces, particularly strengthening the Aporajeyo squad with several emerging talents.

As replacements, Jisan Alam, SM Meherob Ohin, Rakibul Hasan and Ripon Mondol have been drafted into the Aporajeyo side. These inclusions are being viewed positively by observers, as the exhibition match now offers a valuable platform for younger and less-established players to perform alongside seasoned internationals and gain experience in a competitive yet celebratory environment.

Leadership roles for the match remain unchanged. The Odommo side will be captained by Bangladesh’s current One Day International skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz, whose calm authority and all-round ability are expected to anchor the team. Meanwhile, the Aporajeyo team will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, one of the country’s most dependable batters in recent years.

CWAB officials have emphasised that the primary objective of the Victory Day match is not competition alone, but unity, remembrance and entertainment. The fixture aims to honour the significance of Victory Day while fostering camaraderie among players and delivering an enjoyable spectacle for cricket fans across the nation.

Revised Squads for the Victory Day Exhibition Match

Odommo (Indomitable) Squad

Aporajeyo (Unconquerable) Squad