A scenic venue for destructive batting
"Sylhet is always one of my favourite venues because of its surroundings and atmosphere. The stadium is pretty similar to foreign stadiums, which is unique in our country."
Those words from Shakib Al Hasan said it all ahead of the opening game of the fifth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today.
Even before entering the premises, the beautiful view of tea gardens and hillocks surrounding the Sylhet International Cricket stadium, also known as the Green Valley Stadium, seem to offer cricket lovers a totally different atmosphere to other stadiums across Bangladesh.
After its construction in 2007, the Sylhet stadium hosted its first international game -- a 2014 ICC World T20 Qualifiers between Ireland and Zimbabwe before hosting five more T20Is. However it is yet to host any ODI or Test matches.
The stadium currently has a capacity of 15,000 but with expansions works underway it will soon be able to accommodate 20,000. New floodlights have also been installed alongside modern facilities, with the players' dressing room now situated on the second floor of the grand stand in the northern part of the stadium.
But the most eye-catching part of the stadium is the 'Green Gallery' situated in the western part of the ground, where the crowd can relax on green grass while taking in the action similar to venues in South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.
Another fantastic aspect of the Sylhet stadium is the outfield, equipped with a modern drainage system that is capable of preparing the ground for play within thirty minutes of rainfall. A total of seven pitches, all being maintained throughout the year, are likely to offer runs for the batsmen and promise full entertainment to the crowd who will come to watch sixes and fours.
Evidence of the batting-friendly wicket was presented back in 2014, when Netherlands racked up 100 in just 6.6 overs, the fastest for any team in T20I cricket, before plundering 194 off just 13.5 overs with 19 sixes against Ireland.
The venue also boasts a five-storey media centre with the press box situated on the third floor alongside all necessary facilities for broadcasters.
Undoubtedly the most scenic and beautiful stadium in the country, Sylhet will perhaps hold a dress rehearsal for hosting international games in the coming days. Before that however it will be the centrepiece for all the people who will certainly come in droves to witness the most awaited domestic cricket competition in Bangladesh.
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