The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has taken a decisive step towards reducing its long-standing reliance on foreign turf specialists by launching a dedicated training workshop for local pitch curators and grounds staff.
Scheduled for 11 and 12 August at the Flight Lieutenant Birsreshtho Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, the Level-1 curation course marks the first formal certification initiative of its kind introduced by the governing body. The sessions will be led by Tony Hemming, an experienced Australian pitch consultant who currently serves as the BCB’s Head of Turf Management.
Thirty selected participants from three major cricketing hubs—Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram—will undergo intensive training over the two-day period. The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of turf preparation, soil dynamics, climate resilience, and modern ground maintenance techniques. Rather than offering mere attendance certificates, the board has instituted a formal examination process. Only candidates who successfully pass the written and practical assessments will receive the Level-1 accreditation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mazhar Uddin, member secretary of the BCB Grounds Committee, highlighted the necessity of upgrading domestic turf management standards:
“This is the first time we are introducing a basic level certification course aimed at upgrading the skills of our domestic curators and grounds personnel. Under the leadership of Tony Hemming, thirty participants from across Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram will be rigorously trained. Accreditation will be strictly performance-based, awarded only to those who clear the examinations.”
Cultivating Domestic Talent for Long-Term Sustainability
For years, international and domestic cricket venues across Bangladesh have relied heavily on overseas experts to prepare match surfaces. While this strategy brought short-term technical consistency, it frequently drew criticism from former players and administrators for failing to build internal infrastructure and knowledge transfer within the country.
Pitch quality in Bangladesh has often been a topic of debate during high-profile international series. Issues such as uneven bounce, slow turn, and rapid surface deterioration have highlighted the need for scientific, region-specific pitch maintenance. By equipping local groundsmen with formal education in turf agronomy, the BCB aims to establish uniform pitch standards across all first-class and international venues.
The appointment of Tony Hemming—who previously managed prestigious venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the ICC Academy in Dubai—presents a practical opportunity for local staff to learn world-class practices. If successful, this initial Level-1 program will pave the way for advanced Level-2 and Level-3 modules, ultimately establishing a qualified, self-sufficient cadre of Bangladeshi curators capable of managing top-tier cricketing surfaces.
