Anvir Cricket Stadium Ready to Host West Indies Warm-Up

Anvir Cricket Stadium Ready to Host West Indies Warm-Up Match

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed satisfaction with the ground and facilities at Anvir Cricket Stadium in Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) Sports City ahead of Bangladesh’s warm-up match against the West Indies, scheduled for October 22–24.

A six-member BCB inspection team visited the venue on Monday to assess preparations for the match. The team was accompanied by ABG Sports City director Imrul Hasan and senior general manager (administration) Lt Col Shoeb Shafiq.

“We are absolutely satisfied,” said Syed Abdul Baten, the BCB’s national manager for grounds.

The inspection covered the wickets, outfield, dressing rooms, medical facilities, logistical arrangements, seating for journalists and broadcast facilities. Baten said the visit was primarily intended to fine-tune preparations for the match.

“First of all, we would like to thank ABG Sports City. The facilities here are fantastic. Everyone has been cooperative and supportive, and we have been working together for the last couple of years,” he said.

Baten described the warm-up fixture as a test case for hosting international cricket at an alternative venue. He noted that the stadium already had most of the infrastructure and facilities required to accommodate a team and stage a match.

The BCB has previously hosted Dhaka Premier League fixtures and various age-group matches at the venue. Baten expressed hope that the board’s partnership with ABG Sports City would continue, adding that another ground was under development at the complex and that the existing practice facilities could also be utilised.

For ABG Sports City, hosting the West Indies warm-up match represents a significant milestone, according to director Imrul Hasan.

“It is certainly a matter of pride for Anvir Cricket Stadium. We showed the BCB team our facilities, from the ground and dressing rooms to the journalists’ room and medical room. We discussed in detail how to ensure the match is held smoothly, without any shortcomings,” Imrul said.

He added that the BCB had provided guidance and prompt support as ABG Sports City prepared to host the fixture.

The full West Indies squad has arrived in Dhaka. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Dhaka on October 28, while the second Test will start in Sylhet on November 5.