Rangpur Riders have signed an international sponsorship agreement ahead of the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, partnering with Turkish Airlines as their Platinum partner. The sponsorship agreement was announced during a signing ceremony held on Sunday at the Bashundhara Sports City, followed by a press conference.
The event was graced by Islam Gure, General Manager of Turkish Airlines’ Dhaka operations, along with Rangpur Riders’ Managing Director and CEO, Ishtiaque Sadeque.
“It is a great pleasure to be here today on behalf of Turkish Airlines, in the announcement of partnership with Rangpur Riders representing Bangladesh in the upcoming Global Super League in Guyana. Turkish Airlines is happy to support this journey. We wish luck to Rangpur Riders for success in the tournament and thank everyone to make this partnership possible,” said Islam Gure.
Sharing the journey behind the partnership, Ishtiaque Sadeque expressed his gratitude towards the Turkish Airlines officials, saying, “I want to thank Mr Islam Gure and Mr Ejaz Kadry (Sales & Station Official (Intl), Turkish Airlines) specially. The first time I walked into Turkish Airlines was three months back. The way they helped me was wonderful, as they set the dates on the computer, though I know that it was tough for them and us among the busy schedule."
He highlighted the significance of having an internationally renowned brand onboard as the team prepares for a global competition.
“When we participate in the BPL, we usually have partnerships with the local brands. But as we are going to a global competition, we wanted some globally recognized brands. Turkish Airlines played an important role here, as they had to face a lot of troubles. They needed some permissions from the headquarter and to match the dates. Mr Islam Gure and Mr Ejaz Kadry. I am really proud that Turkish Airlines has agreed to sponsor Rangpur Riders,” he added.
Sadeque also shed light on the extensive discussions and efforts that went into finalizing the deal.
“We had at least ten meetings. I myself went thrice, and our other officials went five to seven times. We had meetings over phone and Zoom. After all, I think this partnership is a blessing from Allah. I also want to thank the other Gold sponsors: LG Butterfly, Daily Sun and ACE Properties. It is actually not possible to run a franchise team without sponsors.”
This year, the Riders aim to defend their title in the GSL and fly the flag for Bangladesh.
“We are not Rangpur Riders this year, we are Rangpur Riders Bangladesh. We are representing Bangladesh, so please pray for us so that we can complete the tournament successfully,” Sadeque concluded.
On the same day, Rangpur Riders also signed a deal with Raw Nation, a Bangladesh-based clothing brand, as their Gold partner for the tournament. Shahriar Ahmed, Managing Director of Raw Nation, was present at the event.
“Rangpur Riders is the biggest franchise team in Bangladesh and we are happy to be a part of their upcoming journey. I hope that they will be the champions this year as well,” Shahriar said.
The Global Super League 2025 will feature five teams and is scheduled to run from 10 to 18 July in Guyana.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
