In Bangladesh, few digital media brands have achieved the scale, influence, and loyal following that BDCricTime enjoys today. But behind its massive success is a story of humble beginnings, strategic vision, and an unwavering passion for cricket. That story belongs to Md. Jabed Ali, who recently earned a well-deserved spot in the Top 30 of the Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) Award 2025.
The Beginning of a Bold Vision
The year was 2011. While digital media was still gaining traction in Bangladesh, Jabed Ali, a young business graduate with a deep love for cricket, identified a gap in the market. International platforms like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz were popular but lacked local language coverage tailored for Bangladeshi fans.
Recognizing this opportunity, he launched BDCricTime—a platform dedicated to delivering real-time cricket updates and news in Bangla. It started modestly, with Jabed managing everything himself. But what began as a passion project quickly resonated with local audiences hungry for native content.
Turning Passion into a Scalable Business
By 2014, Jabed began monetizing the platform, laying the foundation for what would become one of Bangladesh’s most recognized sports media ventures. Over the years, BDCricTime has grown into a full-fledged digital media company, employing 35 professionals, including in-house staff, editors, and a distributed team of reporters across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Today, the platform serves over 17 million followers globally, offering live score updates, match highlights, interviews, and video content—all in Bangla. It plays a critical role in connecting fans with the game they love, especially in a cricket-obsessed nation like Bangladesh.
At the heart of BDCricTime is passion. Founder and CEO Md. Jabed Ali didn’t just build a media platform, he brought together a team of cricket lovers who live and breathe the game. “We started as fans first,” he often says. Every person behind BDCricTime isn’t just doing a job, they’re part of a history which is full of emotion, dedication, and love for cricket. It’s more than work for them. That passion is what drives the platform’s energy, creativity, and constant growth.
A Solid Revenue Model with Multi-Platform Reach
BDCricTime’s growth is backed by a strong digital business model. Revenue streams include:
- Facebook and YouTube monetization
- Branded content and sponsorships
- Programmatic and direct digital advertising
With 9 million Facebook followers and 1 million YouTube subscribers, the brand has established itself as a leading digital publisher in South Asia’s sports media ecosystem.
Expanding Beyond Cricket
Recognizing the potential in other sports, BDCricTime has launched BDSportsTime, a sister platform that covers football, athletics, and hockey. This strategic expansion is part of a long-term plan to position the company as a multi-sport digital powerhouse, catering to evolving viewer preferences and tapping into underserved sports markets in the region.
Social Responsibility & Impact
Beyond its commercial success, BDCricTime is also known for its community engagement. The company regularly participates in CSR initiatives, including
- Winter relief programs
- Sponsorship of wheelchair cricket teams
- Support for disaster-affected communities
Such efforts reflect a business model that balances profitability with purpose—a quality increasingly essential in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Industry Recognition
In 2019, BDCricTime received the BASIS National ICT Award in the Media & Entertainment category, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in digital sports journalism in Bangladesh.
Looking Ahead: Talent Development and Global Expansion
Speaking on future plans, Founder and CEO Md. Jabed Ali notes,
“Cricket is more than a sport in Bangladesh—it’s an emotion. At BDCricTime, we connect millions through that emotion. Now we’re focusing on nurturing new talent, expanding globally, and using sports media to drive social change.”
To inspire the next generation of digital media professionals, the company is planning university outreach programs aimed at encouraging young people to explore careers in sports journalism, content creation, and digital storytelling.
Conclusion
BDCricTime is not just a sports media platform—it’s a case study in turning local insight into a scalable, impactful business. Md. Jabed Ali’s journey from a solo cricket fan to the founder of a media empire exemplifies what’s possible when entrepreneurial vision meets cultural relevance and digital strategy.
As the company sets its sights on global markets and broader sports coverage, BDCricTime stands as a beacon of how homegrown platforms can compete on the world stage, without losing their local essence.
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