Bangladesh has always carried a deep love for sport, especially cricket and football. Over the years, the country has hosted major international tournaments, regional championships, and memorable one-off matches that brought global attention to Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and other cities. This countdown of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh highlights the country’s proud sporting history and international hosting success. Here is the top 10 biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Biggest Sports Events Ever Hosted in Bangladesh
10. Argentina vs Nigeria International Football Friendly
One of the most unforgettable football nights among the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh came on September 6, 2011, when Argentina played Nigeria at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. For Bangladeshi fans, the biggest attraction was Lionel Messi, whose presence turned the match into a dream event.
Argentina won 3-1, with Gonzalo Higuaín and Ángel Di María scoring early goals, while an own goal added another for Argentina. Chinedu Obasi scored for Nigeria. The match created huge excitement across Dhaka, with Argentina shirts and flags visible everywhere before the game.
| Date | September 6, 2011 |
| Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka |
| Teams | Argentina vs Nigeria |
| Result | Argentina won 3-1 |
| Attendance | Around 20,000 |
ALSO READ: Cricket vs Football: Which Game Truly Owns Bangladesh?
9. 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
The 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup remains one of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh, giving young cricketers a major international platform. The event featured 16 teams and 48 matches across Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar.
West Indies Under-19 won the title by defeating India in the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered an excellent all-round performance and was named Player of the Tournament.
| Date | January 22 – February 14, 2016 |
| Host Cities | Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar |
| Teams | 16 |
| Matches | 48 |
| Champion | West Indies Under-19 |
| Player of the Tournament | Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
8. 2018 SAFF Championship
The 2018 SAFF Championship once again placed Bangladesh at the center of South Asian football and became one of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. Hosted in Dhaka, the tournament brought seven regional teams together at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Although Bangladesh did not win the title, hosting the event showed the country’s continued role in South Asian football. Maldives became champion after beating India in the final. For Bangladesh, this tournament was another example of its ability to organize major regional football competitions.
| Date | September 4 – September 15, 2018 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium |
| Teams | 7 |
| Champion | Maldives |
| Runner-up | India |
7. 2009 SAFF Championship
The 2009 SAFF Championship stands among the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh after India stepped away from organizing the tournament. The Bangladesh Football Federation, led by Kazi Salahuddin, played an important role in bringing the competition to Dhaka.
Eight nations took part in the event. Bangladesh reached the semi-finals, while India won the tournament by defeating Maldives in the final. Even without winning the title, Bangladesh successfully handled the responsibility of hosting a major regional football event on short notice.
| Date | December 4 – December 13, 2009 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium |
| Teams | 8 |
| Champion | India |
| Bangladesh Result | Semi-finals |
6. 2003 SAFF Gold Cup
The 2003 SAFF Gold Cup remains one of the greatest football memories in Bangladesh’s history and one of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. The country not only hosted the tournament but also won its first and only men’s SAFF Championship title.
The final against Maldives ended level before going to penalties. Bangladesh won 5-3 in the shootout, with Mohammed Sujan scoring the decisive penalty. A packed Bangabandhu National Stadium witnessed one of the loudest and proudest moments in Bangladeshi football.
| Date | January 10 – January 20, 2003 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium |
| Teams | 8 |
| Final | Bangladesh vs Maldives |
| Champion | Bangladesh |
5. 1993 South Asian Games
The 1993 South Asian Games created history in 1993 by becoming one of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. Dhaka became the first city to host the South Asian Games twice. The event was the sixth edition of the SAF Games and included seven countries competing across 11 sports.
India led the medal table again, while Bangladesh performed strongly at home with 11 gold, 19 silver, and 32 bronze medals. This tournament strengthened Bangladesh’s position as a dependable host for regional multi-sport events.
| Date | December 20 – December 27, 1993 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Main Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium |
| Sports | 11 |
| Bangladesh Medals | 11 Gold, 19 Silver, 32 Bronze |
| Opened By | President Abdur Rahman Biswas |
4. 1985 South Asian Games
The 1985 South Asian Games was Bangladesh’s first major multi-sport hosting achievement and one of the earliest biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. Held in Dhaka, it was the second edition of the South Asian Federation Games.
Seven nations competed in seven sports, making it a proud moment for Bangladesh only 14 years after independence. India topped the medal list, while Bangladesh finished third with 9 gold, 17 silver, and 38 bronze medals.
| Date | December 20 – December 26, 1985 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Main Venue | Bangabandhu National Stadium |
| Nations | 7 |
| Sports | 7 |
| Bangladesh Medals | 9 Gold, 17 Silver, 38 Bronze |
3. 2010 South Asian Games
The 2010 South Asian Games was Bangladesh’s biggest multi-sport event hosting success and one of the true biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. Dhaka became the first city in SAF Games history to host the event three times, after previously organizing it in 1985 and 1993.
Athletes from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives competed in several disciplines. Bangladesh finished third with 18 gold, 23 silver, and 56 bronze medals, marking its best performance in South Asian Games history.
| Date | January 29 – February 8, 2010 |
| Host City | Dhaka |
| Participating Nations | 7 |
| Bangladesh Position | 3rd |
| Bangladesh Medals | 18 Gold, 23 Silver, 56 Bronze |
| Top Nation | India |
2. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was a landmark moment and remains one of the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh because it was the country’s first time co-hosting a senior Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh hosted eight matches and also staged the spectacular opening ceremony in Dhaka.
The opening ceremony took place at Bangabandhu National Stadium on February 17, 2011. Captains entered the stadium on traditional cycle rickshaws, creating an image that became famous worldwide. Bangladesh also hosted the opening match against India at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
| Date | February 19 – April 2, 2011 |
| Co-hosts | India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh |
| Bangladesh Venues | Dhaka, Chittagong |
| Matches in Bangladesh | 8 |
| Opening Ceremony | Dhaka |
| Champion | India |
1. 2014 ICC World Twenty20
The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 is widely regarded as the number one among the biggest sports events ever hosted in Bangladesh. It was the first global ICC tournament fully staged by Bangladesh and included both men’s and women’s competitions.
The tournament featured 16 men’s teams and was played across Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated India national cricket team in the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, with Kumar Sangakkara earning Player of the Match. Despite concerns before the event, Bangladesh delivered a successful tournament and proved its ability to host world-class cricket.
| Date | March 16 – April 6, 2014 |
| Venues | Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet |
| Teams | 16 |
| Total Matches | 62 including men’s and women’s events |
| Final | Sri Lanka vs India |
| Champion | Sri Lanka |
| Prize Money | USD 3 million |
FAQs
1. What is the biggest sports event ever hosted in Bangladesh?
The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 is widely considered the biggest sports event ever hosted in Bangladesh because it was the country’s first fully hosted global ICC tournament.
2. When did Bangladesh first host the Cricket World Cup?
Bangladesh first co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 alongside India and Sri Lanka.
3. When did Lionel Messi play in Bangladesh?
Lionel Messi played in Bangladesh on September 6, 2011, during the international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria in Dhaka.
4. Has Bangladesh ever won the SAFF Championship?
Yes, Bangladesh won the 2003 SAFF Gold Cup by defeating Maldives in the final through a penalty shootout.
5. Which major football tournaments have been hosted in Bangladesh?
Some of the biggest football tournaments hosted in Bangladesh include the 2003 SAFF Gold Cup, 2009 SAFF Championship, 2018 SAFF Championship, and the Argentina vs Nigeria international friendly match.