“Impressive,” remarked New Zealand batsman Will Young as he inspected the field at Chattogram’s Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium from the boundary line. The dry surface, patchy grass, and visible stripes resembling pitches didn’t seem to bother him much, despite minor cuts on his arms and legs.
Young expressed confidence in the field’s speed due to the dry conditions, noting that injuries are more likely on wet surfaces where players can get stuck. He shared these insights with The Daily Star recently.
Apart from player safety, the impact of water scarcity on the stadium was evident, according to curator Zahid Reza Babu. He mentioned the ongoing challenge of water shortages, with around 40 percent of the city’s residents facing supply issues, affecting the venue’s maintenance.
Despite sporadic rainfall, lasting only five minutes in the past two weeks, the ground had been watered post-April 9. However, supply problems resurfaced due to hot and humid weather, similar to the previous season, as highlighted by Reza.
Though the outfield may seem worn out from a distance, ground staff believe it is in better condition up close, requiring approximately two lakh liters of water daily for proper care.
Former BCB facilities chairman Shahnian Taneem had previously attempted to address the water supply issue, facing delays due to the previous board’s procedures. However, with the current ad hoc committee, some of those initiatives are now underway, as confirmed by Shahnian.
The board is set to establish a water purification plant and a deep tube well behind the VIP stand, aiming to alleviate water shortages, as officials informed The Daily Star.
Reza mentioned that the purification plant is expected to provide daily water supply, which, combined with WASA’s contribution, should be sufficient for the stadium’s needs. As evening approached, the outfield was watered, presenting a more even surface ahead of the third ODI, with hopes that the water treatment facility will address the ongoing challenges effectively.
