BCB Renames Sheikh Hasina Cricket Stadium

Sports Desk

In a move reflecting recent changes, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially renamed the Sheikh Hasina Cricket Stadium in Purbachal. The stadium, previously envisioned as a grand cricket complex, will now be known as the National Cricket Ground (NCG).

BCB director Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu announced the decision during a press conference on Monday, stating that the board finalized the name change in a meeting. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, construction of the stadium, which had a massive budget, was halted, and existing tenders were canceled.

Instead of the planned stadium, the BCB is now focusing on building two cricket fields at the site. These fields are expected to host domestic leagues starting next season. Mithu explained, “We need to construct the stadium for the 2031 World Cup, but for now, we are concentrating on building two fields. There will be 18 pitches, adequate net practice facilities, and temporary dressing rooms, which we will later upgrade. We hope to reduce the shortage of playing fields with this initiative.”

Under the leadership of former BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon, a Tk 5,000 crore budget was allocated for a cricket complex in Purbachal. The government provided 37 acres of land at a nominal cost. The ambitious project included a boat-shaped stadium named “The Boat,” along with two fields, a residential hotel, an academy, and facilities like a swimming pool.

However, after the interim administration took charge, these plans were scrapped. The construction of the stadium’s main structure has been put on hold, leaving the site rebranded as NCG with a reduced scope.