Currently, Bangladesh is hosting New Zealand in a three-match T20I series in Chattogram, which begins on Monday. However, both teams have had to conduct their practice sessions under the scorching summer sun since last Tuesday. The temperature around the Sagorika ground has been hovering between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius, while the real feel is above 42 degrees Celsius.
There is an indoor cricket complex adjacent to the Bir Sreshtho Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium. However, the shell-shaped, 142-foot-long and 58-foot-wide indoor facility is currently not operational due to maintenance issues and a lack of proper ventilation. The complex features turf that was changed during the last monsoon while the Bangladesh High Performance Unit was holding a camp there.
Although the HP camp could not use the facility during that period due to ongoing turf renovation, local cricketers in Chattogram are also not benefiting from the Tk 13 crore project, which is surrounded by glass panels and currently stands as little more than a visually impressive structure without full functionality.
Venue manager Fazle Bari Khan Rubel could not be reached for detailed comments.
Although Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal visited the indoor facility during the series-deciding ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, a source close to the development claimed that he instructed the authorities to improve the ventilation and cooling systems.
Meanwhile, BCB chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu told Times of Bangladesh that steps are being taken to improve the facilities and resolve the issues at the Chattogram indoor complex.
“The indoor facility in Chattogram is also shut. Efforts are being made to resume these as soon as possible. These facilities were expected to be more developed, but over time, they did not improve as planned. However, we are treating the matter with high importance,” he said.
He also noted that the BCB is already in talks with the National Sports Council. “We will resolve this within a short time. We have already spoken with the NSC. Everything will start very soon, and we will not leave these matters unattended.”
