The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled an ambitious infrastructural roadmap aimed at revolutionising the country’s domestic cricketing landscape. Following an initial pledge by BCB President Aminul Islam, the head of the Grounds Department, Khaled Mashud, provided a detailed briefing at a press conference in Mirpur today. The centrepiece of this initiative is the creation of 137 new wickets across eight strategically selected “cricket hubs” during the first phase of development.
Decentralising Cricket Infrastructure
The project signifies a shift towards decentralising elite training facilities, moving beyond the traditional confines of Dhaka. Out of a total of eleven planned hubs, eight are being prioritised for immediate action. These include major cricketing centres such as Khulna, Barisal, Fatullah, Cox’s Bazar, Bogra, Rajshahi, BKSP, and Purbachal.
Khaled Mashud emphasised that while the BCB will provide technical support—such as specialised soil, rollers, lawnmowers, and pitch covers—the actual craftsmanship will remain in the hands of local curators. This approach is intended to empower regional staff and ensure that the pitches are suited to local conditions.
Deployment Schedule and Distribution
The BCB aims to have these wickets ready for action by May or June 2025. This timeline is critical, as it allows the board to prepare for the upcoming domestic season. The distribution of these pitches is tailored to the specific capacity and requirements of each venue, encompassing main match squares, outer grounds, and dedicated practice nets.
| Location | Number of Wickets | Purpose / Facility Type |
| Barisal | 23 | Match, Practice, and Outer Grounds |
| BKSP (Grounds 3 & 4) | 19 | Academy and High-Performance Training |
| Khulna | 15 | Regional Hub Enhancement |
| Fatullah | 13 | International Standard Maintenance |
| Purbachal | 13 | New Infrastructure Development |
| Rajshahi | 12 | Northern Region Talent Pipeline |
| Bogra | 10 | Training and Domestic Fixtures |
| Cox’s Bazar | 8 | Coastal Cricket Hub |
| Total | 137 | Nationwide Infrastructure Boost |
Strengthening the Grassroots Pipeline
The initiative is not limited to professional stadiums. In a move to bolster grassroots cricket, the BCB plans to temporarily lease equipment—such as rollers and concrete practice pitches—to local academies, schools, and university grounds.
Former national spinner and current BCB Director Abdur Razzak, who accompanied Mashud at the briefing, hailed the move as a “monumental undertaking.” Razzak noted that if the June deadline is met, the board will be in a position to host district-based leagues with far greater efficiency starting next season. By improving pitch quality, the BCB expects a direct correlation with the rising standard of play, ensuring that players are better prepared for the rigours of international cricket.