Bangladesh Cricket Board’s ad-hoc committee member Rafiqul Islam Babu outlined the board’s plans to renovate the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura back into international standard. The board’s grounds committee chief shared this development with the media on Wednesday.
“As you know, Bogura’s Shaheed Chandu Stadium was an international venue, but it has now lost its international recognition because no international matches have been held there for a long time. It has suffered the natural consequences of prolonged inactivity. We want to change that,” he told the reporters.
“The facilities provided before have deteriorated; some were removed, and even the floodlights that were installed were taken away. Consequently, the venue is currently in a sorry state. One notable thing is that every player on the Bangladesh national team who has played there has said, in one voice, that there is no more beautiful venue than this—it is the best in Bangladesh, and the wickets are magnificent,” he noted.
“Therefore, we want this venue to return to the international arena. As part of the follow-up, we visited the field in Bogura recently. Officials from the National Sports Council were also there, and after observation, we reached a decision on the work required to transform it back into an international venue. We discussed those tasks,” he stated.
“Our immediate tasks include building a practice venue, addressing issues with media facilities and the dressing rooms, and constructing new toilets in the galleries where there is a shortage. We also wanted to build a shed so that spectators don't suffer in the intense heat, but that will take some time,” he explained.
He added, “We have certain Phase 1 tasks targeted for the Women's Bangladesh Premier League in July. We will complete the minimum requirements necessary to host a BPL tournament, and we aim to finish these, Insha’Allah, within two months.”
“Overall, we will try to complete the minimum requirements for the BPL within two months. In Phase 2, we will install floodlights, electronic scoreboards, and an international-standard drainage system. Eventually, a 'Sports Zone' will be developed centered around the Bogura Stadium. It will include facilities for everything from football and athletics to shooting. Plans for this have already been initiated by the NSC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports."
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
