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BCB Set To Renovate Fatullah Stadium In Bangladesh After Long Water-Logging Woes

Jatin

Fatullah Cricket Stadium to undergo major upgrades [Source: @mohanstatsman/x.com]Fatullah Cricket Stadium to undergo major upgrades [Source: @mohanstatsman/x.com]

For years, the Fatullah Cricket Stadium, officially known as Shaheed Ria Gope Stadium has been stuck on the sidelines because of one recurring problem: water-logging. Heavy rains have often turned the venue into a pond, even forcing the cancellation of matches, including the much-anticipated Tests against Australia back in 2017.

Fatullah Cricket Stadium Could Be Functional Again By Next Season

Now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is finally ready to tackle the issue head-on with a major reconstruction plan. BCB director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, who visited the venue with board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, explained that the problem isn’t as simple as raising the level of the ground.

"What we have learnt and seen is that Fatullah stadium's area is a hub where water from the surrounding area comes in. The rest of the area surrounding the ground has been elevated and the more it rains, more the area is waterlogged. So, elevating the ground is not a solution since even after elevation, waterlogging can still take place. You have to make drains so that the water that comes in can be taken outside the area of the dam there. We also have to ensure that water does not come in from the other side of the dam," Fahim told The Daily Star.

A proper drainage system, rather than just dumping more soil, seems to be the way forward if Fatullah is to return as an international venue.

Engineers Step In

The BCB has roped in BUET engineers to come up with a final masterplan. Some preliminary designs were already made earlier but Fahim believes they weren’t up to the mark.

"Today, a group of BUET engineers came and sat down with the BCB to create a process for the final design of the stadium. Already, some designs were made but I feel they weren't enough. Today, a final design process was underway and within a few days, we will get the masterplan after which work would start," he said.

Earlier attempts to fix the outfield by filling it with new soil also fell short, which is why a more scientific, long-term solution is being sought.

Possible Return Timeline

The BCB is hopeful the Fatullah ground could be functional again by the business end of next season.

"After we get the design, we will have an estimation and if we can do everything and work starts on the ground, then at some point at the latter end of next season, the ground will be functional," Fahim added.

If things go to plan, Bangladesh cricket could once again see Fatullah host domestic and international fixtures. For now, the Tigers are gearing up for a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands in Sylhet before turning their attention to the Asia Cup 2025. They have been drawn in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

But in the bigger picture, the possible revival of Fatullah could be a big boost for Bangladesh’s cricket infrastructure. After years in the shadows, the ground may finally get the facelift it deserves.