There has been frequent criticism regarding the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Many have expressed concern that playing on such pitches hampers Bangladesh’s chances of success abroad. In response, officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have clarified that no instructions were given to the ground staff to prepare ‘low and slow’ pitches at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. In particular, Nazmul Abedin, Chairman of the BCB’s Cricket Operations Committee, has explicitly stated that the pitch at Mirpur is not satisfactory at all.
Recently, Bangladesh won the T20 series against Pakistan 2–1 in Mirpur. However, even that win drew criticism. Many believe that Bangladesh’s victory in the first two matches came primarily due to the slow-paced pitch that restricted the batters. But when they played on a comparatively better surface in the third match, their performance faltered.
Previously, Mirpur’s pitch has also been under scrutiny during home series against teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand. There were allegations that the wicket was deliberately made slow and low to ensure home advantage.
Nazmul said, “I believe there was an attempt to make a sporting wicket, but they failed. Those who prepare the pitch are responsible. The board never instructed that the pitch should be slow and low.” He added, “We have asked for bouncy, good wickets many times. But it never happens. Then the reasons given are that the soil isn’t good, or the conditions aren’t suitable, or too many matches are played. Taking everything into account, we must admit that our wickets are not satisfactory. Maybe the entire soil layer needs to be changed. Or the pitch-making process itself has to be altered. I hope we’ll see changes in this area in the future.”
Recently, BCB President Aminul Islam also commented that the black soil used in Mirpur pitches makes it difficult for batters to see the ball. Nazmul echoed the same concern. He said, “If there was grass on the wicket, the color of the ball wouldn’t deteriorate so quickly. Due to the lack of grass, the ball rubs against the soil and turns dark. At some point, the white ball becomes hard to see. That’s what creates problems for the batters. Our board president is absolutely right in his observation.”
