Desk Report:
Anvir Cricket Stadium at ABG Sports City has reached a crucial milestone in demonstrating its capability to host international cricket. A delegation from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed satisfaction after inspecting the venue’s field, pitch, dressing rooms, medical facilities, and media amenities ahead of a two-day warm-up match between Bangladesh and the West Indies.
The two-day warm-up match against the West Indies is scheduled to take place at Anvir Cricket Stadium on October 22 and 23. To ensure the event proceeds smoothly, a six-member BCB delegation conducted an on-site review of the stadium’s overall preparations and infrastructure on Monday. Minor adjustments or improvements required in certain areas were also identified during the visit.
Led by Syed Abdul Baten, National Manager of the BCB’s Grounds and Facilities Management Department, the delegation toured various parts of the stadium. Following the inspection, he commended the venue’s facilities and the cooperation extended by ABG Sports City.
Syed Abdul Baten noted that this marks the first time the BCB has organized a warm-up match at a venue owned by a private entity. Expressing his gratitude to ABG Sports City, he remarked, “This is an exceptional venue. We have long been involved in organizing sporting events, but this is the first instance where the BCB is hosting such a warm-up match at a private organization’s own facility.”
Expressing satisfaction with the stadium’s overall management, he added, “The facilities here are outstanding. Everyone has been highly cooperative and supportive. We inspected the pitch, outfield, dressing rooms, medical and logistical arrangements, as well as the facilities for journalists and media coverage. We have discussed all the details thoroughly.” “Areas requiring minor adjustments or improvements have also been identified.”
Stakeholders view the hosting of an international team’s warm-up match at Anvir Cricket Stadium as an opportunity to assess the potential for organizing cricket events on a larger scale in the future. Another cricket ground is currently under construction at ABG Sports City, which also features existing practice facilities. Overall, there are plans to expand the scope for hosting cricket events moving forward.
In this regard, Syed Abdul Baten remarked, “This two-day warm-up match serves as a test case for us. Another ground is being developed in Bashundhara, and they already possess excellent practice facilities.”
During the inspection, Md. Imrul Hasan, Director of ABG Sports City, along with Senior General Manager Lieutenant Colonel Shoeb Shafiq and other officials from the organization, were present.
Director Md. Imrul Hasan considers the hosting of the warm-up match against the West Indies a significant achievement for Anvir Cricket Stadium and ABG Sports City. He stated, “There will be a two-day match against the West Indies; this is certainly a matter of pride for ABG Sports City and Anvir Cricket Stadium.”
Noting that the various facilities at the stadium were showcased to the BCB delegation, Md. Imrul Hasan said, “We showed them everything—from the playing field and dressing rooms to the media area and medical room. While the BCB is well-versed in organizing such events, this is entirely new for us. Therefore, we are proceeding under their guidance. Based on their feedback, it appears they are fully satisfied.”
Previously, Anvir Cricket Stadium has hosted age-group cricket as well as various domestic cricket matches. Recently, the venue also hosted a match for the National Cricket League’s second XI. Now, by hosting Bangladesh’s warm-up match against the West Indies, the venue is set to gain new experience in managing matches involving an international team.
Stakeholders view this visit by the BCB delegation and the upcoming warm-up match as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate the infrastructure, management, and organizational capabilities of Anvir Cricket Stadium.
