The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–26 began on a somber note when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) honored slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi with a minute of silence before the opening match in Sylhet.
Ahead of the first ball between debutants Rajshahi Warriors and Sylhet Titans, players from both teams, match officials, and spectators stood for a minute’s silence in his memory. Fans inside the stadium also joined prayers, creating a powerful moment that reflected the national grief and the wide impact of Hadi’s death.
Sharif Osman Hadi, who passed away on December 18, was a key figure in Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising and was seen as a rising voice in youth politics. He served as a spokesperson for ‘Inquilab Mancha’, meaning the “Platform for Revolution,” and was preparing to contest the upcoming general elections from Dhaka-8’s Bijoynagar constituency.
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The 32-year-old died in a Singapore hospital after suffering serious injuries in an assassination attempt earlier this month in Dhaka. The BCB’s tribute was viewed as a sign of unity, recognizing Hadi’s influence beyond politics and his role as a symbol of youth activism in Bangladesh.
The ceremony also marked the start of a new BPL season that brings notable changes to the league. The 2025–26 edition includes new franchises such as Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, Sylhet Titans and Noakhali Express, alongside returning teams Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders.
