Since taking on his role, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has been actively involved in the development of the BCB’s projects. On Saturday he visited the allocated land in Purbachal for the international stadium, accompanied by several BCB directors and the CEO. Faruque emphasised the importance of quickly transforming the land into a functional cricket field, adding that the stadium's name and design might also see changes.
BCB President Faruque Ahmed has made it clear that the design of the new stadium to be built in Purbachal will prioritise functionality over aesthetics. Regarding whether the stadium will feature a boat shape, the board president remarked, "To create a proper playing field, we don't need a boat or square shape. What we need is an oval shape. We will do what is necessary to make the field suitable for cricket."
Speaking to the media after the visit, Faruque said, "Our main intention after taking on this responsibility was to improve the fields. We were also considering creating new fields. Since this is our own land, we had a plan for it. Now, we will try to transform it into a field structure as quickly as possible. This will be added to the fields we plan to improve."
Faruque added, "We will proceed step by step. There were plans for two fields and a large stadium here. At the moment, we cannot afford such a budget. Therefore, we will start with one field first and then try to develop the adjacent field. We will start the work on the field soon. We have many types of games, as you all know. From age-based cricket to women's cricket, club cricket—many games. We will prepare the field for that."
The previous board, under Nazmul Hossain, had appointed an Australian firm named Populous as consultants for the stadium construction. Faruque aims to start the field work as soon as possible in consultation with them. "I have already mentioned that we have invested money in consultancy. We will proceed without making any major changes... You cannot do everything in one day. Field, dressing room... I have not seen their plan completely. It would not be right for me to comment on it. We will try to create the field first based on their plan and drawings and their suggestions."
Faruque Ahmed also hinted that the stadium might not retain the name 'Sheikh Hasina International Cricket Stadium', saying, "This will be decided jointly by the Ministry of Sports and the Cricket Board."
