Barishal set to host national-level cricket in December as stadium renovation nears completion

Renovation work at Barishal’s Kobi Jibananda Das Stadium is about to be completed, with the remaining work expected to be finished before a national-level cricket tournament begins in December, said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Grounds Committee Chairman Shanian Taneem.

He said the renovation and related work is almost 80% done and was supposed to be completed earlier, but he did not want to blame anyone for the delay while speaking to journalists after inspecting the stadium around 12:30pm today (1 October).

The process of handing over the ground is now being expedited, he added.

“We want most of the matches of the tournament to be held in Barishal in December. As a new stadium, we are giving it serious consideration,” he said.

The BCB Grounds Committee chairman said stadiums that have recently been developed should get the opportunity to host national-level matches.

He added that the BCB was also working to bring international and national-level cricket back to Barishal.

“We are saying with confidence that we want to bring Bangladesh cricket to Barishal. We are working with that goal in mind,” Taneem said.

During the visit, he inspected the playing field, surrounding facilities and related buildings. He also discussed the progress of the renovation and preparations for handing over the ground with officials concerned.

Once the renovation is complete, the stadium is expected to host national-level cricket as well as larger matches on a regular basis.