Discovering the Bangabandhu National Stadium: A Look into Bangladesh's Largest Cricket Stadium

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council both recognise Bangladesh as a full member. In 2000, Bangladesh’s men’s squad played its first Test match after achieving full ICC membership. The name “Tigers” refers to the national squad and was inspired by the Royal Bengal Tiger. Since 2014, the women’s national team has competed in elite international cricket.

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In this article, we will take a look at the largest cricket stadium in Bangladesh and its history.

Bangabandhu National Stadium: Introduction

The national stadium and multidisciplinary sports complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh is called Bangabandhu National Stadium. It is sometimes referred to as Dhaka Stadium and was earlier known as Dacca Stadium. It is situated in the centre of the city, in the Motijheel neighbourhood. Both the men’s and women’s national football teams call it home. Together with the 25,000-seat Bir Shreshtha Mustafa Kamal Stadium, the Bangabandhu National Stadium is one of the primary football venues in Dhaka. Argentina and Nigeria played a friendly game there in 2011; the Bangabandhu Stadium is well renowned for this.

Bangabandhu National Stadium: History

The only place in the world to have held the first-ever home match between two Test nations, Pakistan and Bangladesh, was the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. India was the guest on both occasions: in 1954–1955, when Dacca was the capital of East Pakistan, and in 1976–1977, when Bangladesh played the visiting MCC from England in the first informal Test match. The Sri Lankan national squad then traveled to Bangladesh the next year to compete in a few informal one-day, two-day, and three-day matches against BCCB XI and the Bangladesh National team. Following that, teams from India like Deccan Blues and MCC made repeated trips to Bangladesh to play against BCCB XI and the Bangladesh national squad, respectively.

Bangabandhu National Stadium Renovation: 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup

On February 17, 2011, the 2011 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony took place at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, which was co-hosted by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. To host the opening ceremony, the stadium underwent a complete modernization and renovation that transformed it into a top-notch venue. The stadium’s seating capacity had been reduced to 36,000, a sizable LED screen had been added, and the press box now featured a contemporary roof. Also refurbished to accommodate the great gala inaugural event are the entrances and VIP box. The VIP box, refreshment stand, and press box have all been updated. Modern amenities at the stadium make it suited for big international sporting events.

Bangabandhu National Stadium: Records and Statistics

First Test	Pakistan v India, 01-04, Jan 1955
Last Test	Bangladesh v Australia, 27-30, Aug 2017
First ODI	Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 27-Oct-1988
Last ODI	Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, 31-Jan-2005