Khulna in line for its 2nd Test?

Renovations in Khulna have begun in a bid for the city to host one of the three Test matches of the Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series in October. As per the current schedule, Chittagong's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is expected to host the first two Tests of the series after which the players travel to Dhaka to play the final Test. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is contemplating a change.

A team formed to investigate the scenario in Khulna finished its inspection yesterday and painted a positive picture. The main worry has been the accommodation in the city, which according to officials has improved.

“The hotel which we plan to keep the players in has expanded. There were 64 rooms before and now they have 90. They are also building a swimming pool which is also a part of the requirement. From an accommodation perspective things are looking good,” said BCB's media manager Rabeed Imam, who is also a member of the inspection committee.

“The road from the airport to Khulna has a few issues. However, we have spoken to the chief engineer of the Roads and Highways department and they have assured us that for the nation's interest, they will fix those problems in time for the series,” he added.

Rabeed further added that the board is looking to shift the second Test to Khulna if everything goes as planned.

Cricket Operations Chairman Akram Khan has said that he is hopeful about the shift.

“If everything is fine and develops in time then we will definitely instruct the board to shift the Test. But we are still waiting for a report from the team,” he said.

Khulna's Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium hosted its first Test in 2012 when Bangladesh played the West Indies.