The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to establish two playgrounds in Cox's Bazar, complete with an academy building, indoor facilities, a gym, and a swimming pool. BCB President Faruque Ahmed has initiated a project to build cricket complexes similar to the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium across the country. He announced plans to develop complexes at four venues: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar Cricket Stadium, Sylhet International Stadium, and Rajshahi Shaheed Kamaruzzaman Stadium.
“We aim to build four facilities akin to the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, which includes an academy building, practice wickets, and gyms. These will be centres of excellence, constructed in stadiums with sufficient space,” said Ahmed.
The Chattogram Stadium already has indoor and adequate wicket facilities. Adding an academy building, swimming pool, and gym in the available space to the west will transform it into a full-fledged cricket complex. Even with just an academy building, camps for national and age-specific teams can be conducted. The BCB Grounds Committee believes that the Cox's Bazar Cricket Stadium can be reorganised due to the absence of a permanent gallery.
Currently, there are no plans to build a complex in Dhaka, as the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur already has comprehensive facilities. The board intends to maintain the playing field at the Khan Saheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah or Purbachal. However, Ahmed believes that with government support, these venues could also be developed into cricket complexes. The Sylhet International Stadium, with its two fields and gym facilities, would benefit from an academy and swimming pool to enhance cricket activities. In Rajshahi, despite ample space, the lack of high-quality indoor facilities and player accommodation means private academy facilities are rented. The BCB aims to become self-reliant in these venues.
Ahmed's initiative has made significant progress, but he is cautious about depleting the board's funds for infrastructure development. "Building this infrastructure requires money. Thoughtful spending will yield more benefits. I am seeking sponsorships to fund these projects," he said.
There are also plans to build a swimming pool and a small mosque in Mirpur, provided sponsorships are secured.
