Sylhet has long enjoyed a reputation for passionate crowds, whether for Bangladesh Premier League fixtures or international games. The picturesque Sylhet International Cricket Stadium usually sees packed galleries and high demand for tickets -- often forcing fans to turn to the black market.

But ahead of Sunday's opening Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, that usual buzz is notably absent. Unlike previous occasions, there's little sign of enthusiasm in the north-eastern city.

Tickets, sold only at the stadium counters this time from 9:00 am today, saw no real rush. Even by afternoon, sales staff were seen idling, with only a trickle of buyers despite prices ranging modestly from Tk 50 to 500.

Meanwhile, light drizzle fell in Sylhet today, and the coming days promise more rain and thunderstorms.

As far as several locals are concerned, they showed little interest in attending the match. Speaking to this reporter, many dismissed it as unexciting, while others cited weekday schedules and poor weather forecasts.

Some residents pointed to the lack of promotion. "It's very unfortunate. You can't spot any publicity about the match anywhere in the city," said Digen Singh, a local TV journalist.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is already under fire for failing to sell the series' media rights. Although state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) stepped in to avoid embarrassment, the likely empty stands would paint a sorry picture, nevertheless.