Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, located in Sylhet, Bangladesh, is regarded as one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. The stadium is famous for its lush green surroundings, scenic beauty, and international cricket events that have placed Sylhet on the global cricketing map. Initially built as Sylhet Divisional Stadium, the venue has transformed into a modern international cricket stadium, attracting both domestic and international fixtures.
This article provides an in-depth look at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, including its history, pitch conditions, weather, records, and more.
History of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was constructed in 2007 as a domestic cricket ground under the name Sylhet Divisional Stadium. It quickly gained popularity due to its location in a region where cricket is highly loved.
Recognizing the growing demand for international cricket in Sylhet, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to upgrade the stadium to meet global standards. Major renovations were carried out in 2013 to enhance its facilities, including improved seating arrangements, better pitch quality, and modern infrastructure.
The stadium made its international debut on March 17, 2014, when it hosted a match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in the ICC T20 World Cup. Since then, the stadium has become a key venue for various international tournaments, including bilateral series and ICC events.
The stadium stands out due to its stunning natural setting. The surrounding green hills and picturesque landscape make it one of the most attractive cricket venues in the world.
Seating Capacity and Facilities
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is one of the largest cricket venues in Bangladesh, with a seating capacity of 18,500 spectators. The stadium is under the supervision of the National Sports Council, ensuring that both players and spectators enjoy high-quality facilities.
Key Features:
- Comfortable seating with a clear view of the field.
- Modern dressing rooms for teams.
- Floodlights to support day-night matches.
- Advanced drainage system to minimize rain interruptions.
- VIP lounges and hospitality boxes for special guests.
The stadium is also well-connected with transportation facilities, making it easy for fans to reach the venue.
Pitch Conditions at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
The pitch at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is known for being batting-friendly, particularly in shorter formats like ODIs and T20s. However, spinners also find some assistance in the later stages of matches.
Pitch Behavior in Different Formats:
- T20 Matches: The surface is ideal for aggressive stroke play in the first innings, while spinners can get help in the second innings.
- ODI Matches: Batsmen dominate in the first half, while medium pacers and spinners become effective in the latter stages.
- Test Matches: The pitch supports batsmen in the first two days but starts assisting spinners from Day 3 onwards.
This balanced nature of the pitch ensures exciting contests between bat and ball.
Weather Conditions in Sylhet
Sylhet has a tropical monsoon climate, which means the weather plays a crucial role in cricket matches.
Seasonal Weather Patterns:
- Summer (March to May): Hot and humid, with temperatures between 32-36°C.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall, which can cause match delays, but the stadium’s modern drainage system minimizes disruptions.
- Winter (November to February): The best season for cricket, with clear skies and temperatures around 15-25°C.
Despite the monsoon season bringing significant rainfall, the stadium is well-equipped to handle wet conditions efficiently.
Memorable Records at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Test Cricket Records
| Record | Player/Team | Opponent | Date | Details |
| First Test Century | Kane Williamson (NZ) | Bangladesh | 28 Nov 2023 | Scored 104 runs |
| Highest Test Score | Kamindu Mendis (SL) | Bangladesh | 22 Mar 2024 | Scored 164 runs |
ODI Records
| Record | Player/Team | Opponent | Date | Details |
| First ODI Century | Shai Hope (WI) | Bangladesh | 14 Dec 2018 | Scored 108* runs |
| Biggest ODI Win | Bangladesh | Zimbabwe | Mar 2020 | Won by 169 runs |
T20 Records
| Record | Team | Opponent | Date | Details |
| Fastest 100 in T20 | Netherlands | Ireland | 2014 ICC WT20 | Scored 100 runs in 6.6 overs |
| Fastest 150 in T20 | Netherlands | – | 2014 ICC WT20 | Scored 150 runs in 10.3 overs |
Women’s Cricket Records
| Record | Player/Team | Opponent | Date | Details |
| First Women’s T20 Century | Meg Lanning (AUS) | Ireland | 27 Mar 2014 | Scored 126 runs |
Famous Centuries at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
| Score | Player | Team | Opponent | Date |
| 104 | Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Bangladesh | 28 Nov 2023 |
| 105 | Najmul Hossain Shanto | Bangladesh | New Zealand | 28 Nov 2023 |
| 102 | Dhananjaya de Silva | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 22 Mar 2024 |
| 108 | Dhananjaya de Silva | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 22 Mar 2024 |
| 164 | Kamindu Mendis | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 22 Mar 2024 |
Why Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Stands Out
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush green hills, it is one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world.
- First-Ever Green Gallery: The only cricket stadium in Bangladesh with a fully green gallery.
- World-Class Facilities: Meets international standards for T20, ODI, and Test cricket.
- Historic Venue: Hosted matches in the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup and 2022 Women’s Asia Cup.
- Growing Importance: A key venue for Bangladesh cricket, with potential for more ICC tournaments in the future.
Future of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is set to grow as a major international cricketing hub. With Bangladesh’s rising presence in world cricket, the stadium is expected to host more ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
There are also discussions about expanding the seating capacity and further improving facilities to attract more international matches.
Conclusion
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is not just a cricket ground—it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s cricketing excellence. Its stunning natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and rich cricketing history make it one of the most cherished stadiums in the country.
As Bangladesh continues to grow as a cricketing nation, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is expected to witness many more memorable matches and record-breaking performances in the coming years.
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium?
The stadium can accommodate over 18,500 spectators.
Where is Sylhet International Cricket Stadium located?
It is located in Sylhet, Bangladesh, known for its natural beauty and tea gardens.
What type of pitch does the stadium have?
The pitch is batting-friendly but also offers assistance to spinners in the latter half of matches.
When was the first international match played at the stadium?
The first international match was between Ireland and Zimbabwe on March 17, 2014, in the ICC T20 World Cup.
What major tournaments has the stadium hosted?
It has hosted matches in the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup and 2022 Women’s Asia Cup.
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