In a landmark move aimed at decentralising the sport and nurturing grassroots talent, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled a comprehensive master plan to develop 137 new cricket pitches across eight designated “cricket hubs.” The initiative, originally teased by BCB President Aminul Islam, was detailed in a press conference at Mirpur today by the Head of Grounds, Khaled Mashud.
Strategic Hubs and the Vision for Growth
The board plans to establish a total of 11 cricket hubs nationwide to ensure that high-quality facilities are not confined solely to the capital. In the primary phase, eight of these hubs—spanning from the coastal reaches of Cox’s Bazar to the cricketing heartlands of Rajshahi and Bogra—will see a massive surge in infrastructure.
The project is designed to be a collaborative effort between the central board and local experts. Khaled Mashud emphasised that while the BCB will provide the necessary logistical support, such as high-quality soil and machinery, the actual craftsmanship will lie with local curators.
“We have held extensive discussions with curators across the country to share our vision,” Mashud noted. “The BCB will provide the support—supplying the soil and materials—but the execution and ultimate responsibility for these wickets will rest with the local curators.”
Distribution of the 137 Planned Wickets
The allocation of pitches has been tailored to the specific needs of each region, covering main stadiums, outer grounds, and dedicated practice facilities. The board aims to have the majority of these pitches match-ready by May or June 2026.
| Cricket Hub / Location | Number of Pitches | Focus Area |
| Barisal | 23 | Regional development & practice |
| BKSP (Fields 3 & 4) | 19 | Elite athlete training |
| Khulna | 15 | Domestic league support |
| Fatullah | 13 | Metropolitan overflow & matches |
| Purbachal | 13 | Future international standards |
| Rajshahi | 12 | Northern talent pathway |
| Bogra | 10 | Traditional cricket stronghold |
| Cox’s Bazar | 8 | Tourism-linked cricket events |
| Total | 137 | Nationwide Infrastructure |
Equipping the Grassroots
Beyond the pitches themselves, the BCB is investing in the longevity of these hubs. The board will distribute heavy machinery, including pitch rollers, lawnmowers, and covers, to local academies and district venues. In some instances, concrete wickets will be installed in schools and universities to facilitate year-round practice, even during the monsoon off-season.
Former national spinner and current BCB Director Abdur Razzak, who joined the briefing, highlighted the long-term impact on the domestic circuit. He believes that if the June deadline is met, the next season of district-based leagues will be played on significantly improved surfaces, elevating the standard of play and player readiness. By improving the “field of play,” the BCB hopes to bridge the gap between domestic performances and the rigours of international cricket.
