Sunday | 18 May 2025 | Reg No- 06
Bangla
   
Bangla | Sunday | 18 May 2025 | Epaper
BREAKING: ● SI killed in train accident at Uttara      ● Security adviser Khalilur rejects BNP's foreign citizenship claim      ● Gaza rescuers say children among 33 killed in Israeli strikes      ● Ishraque's supporters block Nagar Bhaban's main entrance, services suspended      ● BB reserve heist: Court defers probe report submission date      ● ADSM removes 3 key members in Ctg      ● Parvez's ton powers Bangladesh to 27-run win over UAE      

Sheikh Hasina Stadium renamed to National Cricket Ground

Published : Tuesday, 4 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 678
Sports Reporter
The under-construction Sheikh Hasina International Cricket Stadium in Purbachal has been officially renamed as the National Cricket Ground (NCG) marking a significant shift in Bangladesh cricket infrastructure. The announcement came on Monday from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Iftekhar Ahmed following a crucial board meeting.

The decision follows the political upheaval of August 5 last, which led to an abrupt halt in the stadium's construction. Originally designed in the shape of a boat and colloquially known as 'The Boat,' the stadium's design is also set to undergo modifications, with the symbolic boat image being removed.

The ambitious project, initially envisioned as a state-of-the-art cricket complex featuring a five-star hotel, swimming pool, gym, pavilion and media center, now faces an uncertain future. The changes in leadership within the BCB played a pivotal role in these modifications. After assuming the presidency in August last year, former cricketer and selector Faruque Ahmed had hinted at renaming and redesigning the stadium. Shortly thereafter, the tender for the project was scrapped.

With the main construction currently halted, efforts are now concentrated on developing two new cricket fields at the site. BCB Director Iftekhar Ahmed remains optimistic about utilizing these fields for domestic cricket as early as next season.

"We have to build the stadium for the 2031 World Cup. However, for now, we are focusing on building the field. Two fields are being built there featuring 18 pitches with ample facilities including net practice zones. Temporary dressing rooms will be in place initially, which will later be replaced with permanent structures. Hopefully, we can host domestic cricket on these fields from next season easing the field crisis to some extent," Iftekhar Ahmed stated.

The stadium was originally a flagship project under the leadership of former BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon. The BCB had secured 37.5 acres of land in Purbachal from the then-government at a nominal cost aiming to establish a world-class cricket complex worth approximately 5,000 crore taka. The project was to include two international-standard stadiums, a cricket academy, a hotel and various modern amenities. However, the recent developments indicate a significant deviation from those grand plans leaving the future of the project uncertain.



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
Anderson set for Lancashire return
Villa sink Spurs to bolster bid to reach Champions League
Junior hockey team's camp begins today
Sadia dreams to win gold for country
BCL football matches to be held today
Chelsea towards the Champions League in Man Utd win
Bangladesh prepared for India test
NZ A dominates Bangladesh A
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: [email protected], news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close