Nazmul Abedin Slams Sher E Bangla Stadium Pitch (Source: @ICC/x.com)
In recent times, Bangladesh registered a thrilling T20 series victory against Pakistan, but instead of applause, they've found themselves under fire. Fans and critics alike questioned the Tigers’ dominance, pointing fingers at the underwhelming Sher-e-Bangla pitch.
After the series wrapped up, BCB officials raised their voice against the pitch’s condition. The chairman of BCB’s cricket Operation rated the pitch as ‘Not Satisfactory’.
Sher-E-Bangla Pitch Sparks Controversy
Ending their woes on the international stage, Bangladesh hosted Pakistan in three three-match T20I series on their home soil. After two straight wins in the first two matches, they named the series by a 2-1 margin. But instead of cheers for the Tigers, the spotlight shifted to the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium pitch, drawing sharp criticism despite the thrilling victory.
Even before that, the pitch grabbed limelight as the host was accused to use slow wickets to gain home advantage against the opponents. As quoted by Cricbuzz, adding to the controversy, BCB’s Chairman of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedin, openly slammed the pitch, calling it far from satisfactory.
“I think there was an attempt to make it sporting, but they couldn't do it. That responsibility lies with those who are in charge of preparing it. Because from our side - from the board's side - I don't think it was ever instructed that the wicket has to be low and slow,” he said.
“We've seen that whenever we wanted a better wicket, a bouncy wicket, often that didn't happen. The usual reasons that are given relate to the nature of the soil there, or the environment, or the fact that too many matches are played on that pitch. Overall, the Mirpur wicket is not satisfactory - we all accept that,” he added.
Nazmul Urges Urgent Pitch Overhaul
With the ongoing criticism increasing, Nazmul has requested a complete pitch makeover. He pushed for major changes and remained hopeful of seeing a revamped, improved surface at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
“We'll have to work on this going forward. Perhaps the entire soil base will have to be removed. Or, the process through which the pitch is prepared will have to be changed. I hope that some changes will come in this area in the near future, and that we'll see a better wicket in Mirpur,” he said.
In the next month, Bangladesh faces a significant challenge as the Asia Cup 2025 commences on September 9. On September 11, Bangladesh will face Hong Kong in their tournament opener.
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