In a region where dedicated football stadia remain a relative rarity, Bashundhara Kings stand out. The five-time Bangladesh Premier Football League champions boast their very own international standard venue – the aptly named Bashundhara Kings Arena.
Officially opened in February 2022 with a Premier League fixture gracing the pristine pitch, the Kings Arena has quickly become a hub for Bangladeshi football. From domestic league matches and cup finals to national team training sessions, club friendlies, and even World Cup qualifiers, the arena has witnessed it all. It's safe to say the Kings Arena has established itself as the focal point of the Bangladeshi footballing landscape.
But the ambitions of Bashundhara Kings stretch far beyond their own backyard. Having hosted World Cup qualifiers and AFC Cup matches on their home turf, the club now sets its sights on a grander stage – the AFC Challenge League group stage.
The Challenge League kicks off in October this year, with the group draw scheduled for August. This draw will not only determine the team allocations but also unveil the tournament's host nation and venue. Here's where Bashundhara Kings step in, eager to welcome the group stage to the illustrious Kings Arena.
"We're determined to stage the AFC Challenge League group games," declared Bashundhara Kings president Imrul Hasan. "We'll be formally approaching the AFC to express our interest and take on the hosting responsibilities.
The application window closes at the end of July, and we'll ensure our submission is lodged well before that deadline. We're confident that the AFC will recognise the suitability of our venue after due consideration. Kings Arena has a proven track record, having hosted FIFA-sanctioned friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and AFC Cup matches with the AFC's full approval. This gives us a strong sense of optimism."
It's worth noting that the group stage will be played between October 26th and November 2nd. While the specific group compositions remain unknown until the draw, the prospect of Middle Eastern powerhouses featuring in a group hosted at Kings Arena is a tantalising one.
After all, the Kings themselves are no strangers to continental competition, having participated in AFC tournaments five years running, a feat that mirrors their dominant domestic league record.
