(Sports Correspodent: Imran Sohail)
BCB Chairman Voices Concern Over Mirpur Pitch After Historic Series Win Against Pakistan
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Despite Bangladesh’s historic 2-1 T20I series victory over Pakistan, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chairman Nazmul Abedin has expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
The series marked a major milestone for Bangladesh cricket, as the Tigers claimed their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan. However, celebrations have been somewhat overshadowed by concerns over the quality of the playing surface.
Pitch Under Fire from Both Sides
Following criticism from Pakistan’s white-ball Head Coach Mike Hesson and T20I skipper Agha Salman, the BCB chairman acknowledged that the Mirpur pitch failed to meet expectations.
“Overall, the Mirpur wicket is not satisfactory. We all accept that,” Nazmul told reporters in Dhaka.
Nazmul emphasized that the board had not instructed curators to produce a low and slow wicket, which has become a point of contention for its bowler-friendly nature and difficulty in stroke play.
“I think there was an attempt to make it sporting, but they couldn’t do it. That responsibility lies with those in charge of preparing the pitch,” he added.
Plans to Improve Pitch Conditions
Despite repeated efforts to improve the surface, Nazmul admitted progress has been slow. He hinted at the possibility of a complete overhaul, including removing the soil base or changing the pitch preparation process.
“We’ll have to work on this going forward. I hope we’ll see a better wicket in Mirpur soon,” he said optimistically.
Visibility Issues Raised
In addition to performance concerns, BCB President Aminul Islam recently highlighted a visibility issue related to the black soil used on the pitch, which makes it harder for batters to pick the ball.
Nazmul supported this observation, noting that lack of natural grass causes the ball to darken as it contacts the soil, further affecting visibility.
“Our board president made a correct observation. If there had been grass on the wicket, the ball’s color might not have been damaged as much,” Nazmul explained.
As Bangladesh continues to make strides on the international cricket stage, improving pitch conditions at home venues like Mirpur remains a top priority for the BCB — ensuring both competitive balance and player safety for future matches.
