Desk Report:
Anvir Cricket Stadium, located at ABG Sports City, is steadily strengthening its position as an international-standard sports venue in Bangladesh. For the first time, the stadium has hosted cricketers from the West Indies—a Test-playing nation. The pleasant environment, the quality of the pitch, and the facilities suited for professional play have drawn praise from those involved in the sport. Ahead of their Test series against Bangladesh, the West Indies team expressed their satisfaction with the stadium while participating in a two-day warm-up match against a BCB XI.
On the first day of the warm-up match, the BCB XI dominated with the bat. Powered by a brilliant century from Kalam Siddiqui and half-centuries from Zishan Alam and Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan, the team posted 371 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 90 overs. Kalam scored 135, Zishan 86, and Rizwan 59. The West Indies began the match by bowling; throughout the day, the Caribbean players not only focused on their bowling but also enjoyed the atmosphere at Anvir Cricket Stadium.
Former national team captain and former BCB chief selector, Habibul Bashar, was present at the venue to watch the match. He expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the pitch, noting that the surface at Anvir Cricket Stadium is well-suited for international cricket and of a high standard.
Kalam Siddiqui Olin scored his maiden career century, batting with ease against the Caribbean bowlers. His innings of 135 runs came off 184 balls and included 20 fours and a six. Praising the pitch, Kalam remarked that it was excellent for batting; while spinners found assistance, there were also opportunities for pace bowlers.
This marks the first time a Test-playing nation has played at Anvir Cricket Stadium. Previously, in August, Malaysia—an ICC associate member nation—played three One Day International (ODI) matches at this venue. Additionally, several matches of the Dhaka Premier Cricket League—one of the country’s premier domestic cricket competitions—have been held at this venue.
Efforts are also underway to develop the stadium into a full-fledged venue for international cricket. Imrul Hasan, a director at ABG Sports City, stated that floodlights have already been installed at the Anvir Cricket Stadium, and the construction of the spectator galleries is complete.
Beyond cricket, ABG Sports City has taken initiatives to build infrastructure for various other sports, including football. The facility offers amenities for basketball, squash, padel tennis, futsal, and swimming. Furthermore, the sports complex has hosted international tournaments in boxing and squash.
Director Imrul Hasan outlined plans to transform ABG Sports City into a comprehensive national sports center. He explained that their primary objective is to engage the youth of Bangladesh in sports and establish an international-standard sports hub. The ongoing work is aimed at ensuring that athletes emerging from this center are capable of representing Bangladesh at both national and international levels.
Looking ahead, there are also plans to host shooting events at ABG Sports City. By developing infrastructure suitable for a variety of sports and organizing international competitions, the organization aims to become a significant hub within the country’s sporting landscape.
