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Is Mirpur spin formula a safe haven or crutch for Bangladesh cricket? BCB breaks silence

Akshita Patel

Mirpur conditions ignite debate [Source: @BCBtigers, @Fancode/X.com]Mirpur conditions ignite debate [Source: @BCBtigers, @Fancode/X.com]

Bangladesh finally ended a four-match losing streak with a 74-run win over the West Indies in the first ODI at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. However, instead of praise, questions resurfaced about the so-called “Mirpur formula.”

This season has been tough for Bangladesh in the 50-over format. Before this victory, they had won only once in 8 ODIs and suffered a shocking 3-0 series defeat to Afghanistan. 

Many experts have criticised the team’s inconsistent performances, especially on pitches that don’t suit spin bowling.

Bangladesh continue to play safe on the Mirpur formula 

Despite available alternatives like Sylhet and Chattogram, Bangladesh continues to rely on Mirpur. The pitch in Mirpur has consistently offered turn, giving the spinners a significant advantage.

In the recent game, the Tigers defended a modest 207 on a black soil pitch, bowling out the West Indies for just 133 runs. 

Although the victory provided relief, it reignited debates about whether the team is relying too heavily on familiar conditions rather than preparing for tougher challenges abroad.

The ‘Mirpur formula,’ a trend of hosting games on spin-friendly pitches that heavily favour the Tigers’ bowlers, has resurfaced. 

Meanwhile, BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, talking to Daily Star, admitted that preparing the pitch was difficult due to recent rains. 

"Our women practiced here recently, and we saw that the wicket behaved well. But on the black soil wicket, I thought, and [pitch curator] Tony [Hemming] also had the same idea -- that the wicket would be better than this," Fahim said.

He also pointed out that many players feel uncomfortable, as the practice wickets differ from the actual match surfaces.

"My assumption is that due to recent rain, preparing the pitch was challenging. Covering and uncovering the wicket repeatedly may have affected how much water was applied. So, it's not easy to prepare a perfect pitch under those conditions. The wickets we practise on don't match what we get here. The wicket definitely had turn but we are not comfortable," he added.

Bangladesh, ranked 10th at present in ICC ODI, have a critical year coming up with 12 home ODIs against quality sides such as Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and India and 8 away matches in Zimbabwe and Ireland.

The question remains whether the team will continue to rely on the spin-heavy Mirpur tracks to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.