Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) (Bengali: সিলেট আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়াম) also known as Sylhet Stadium and previously known as Sylhet Divisional Stadium, is a cricket stadium in Sylhet, Bangladesh. SICS is surrounded by hills and has a scenic view and it is the only cricket stadium having a green gallery.[2] The stadium was significantly expanded in 2013, to host matches for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and 2014 ICC Women's World Twenty20.[3][4] The stadium hosted its first international match on 17 March 2014 with Ireland taking on Zimbabwe.[5] The stadium hosted 2022 Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup.
History
The stadium was built in 2007, as a divisional cricket stadium.[6] The stadium is surrounded by hills and has a scenic view. England Lions, England Under-19 and Nepal Under-19 have played here.
The venue hosted its first test match in November 2018, becoming the eighth test venue in Bangladesh, where the home team lost to Zimbabwe by 151 runs. The venue hosted its second test five years later, in 2023, since the first test match was played here in 2018.[7]
In November–December 2023, Bangladesh played a test against New Zealand and won the match by 150 runs which was their first test win against New Zealand at home and their first test win at this venue.[8]
Renovation and expansion
During the second day of the test between Bangladesh and New Zealand in 2023
The stadium was expanded and renovated to host matches of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. The renovation began in June 2013 and ended in mid-November 2013. The main pavilion building and the media center have been constructed, floodlights have been installed, and seating arrangements were modified.[9][10] Another more striking part of the stadium is the newly built, country's first 'Green gallery'.[11]
The venue was again renovated in 2017 in order to upgrade the venue to an international standard stadium. A second tier was built in the east side gallery, increasing the seating capacity by 5,000 and the green hillock was remodified.[12] As a result, the venue hosted the first leg of BPL 2017 matches.
In a 2014 ICC World Twenty20 qualifying match between Ireland and Netherlands, both teams were fighting for a spot in the Super 10. Ireland batted first & scored 189–4. Netherlands needed to win the match within 13.5 overs to qualify for Super 10's. If they do so, they would qualify for Super 10's. If they only win the match without winning it in 13.5 overs, then Zimbabwe will qualify for the Super 10's. But if their current opponents win, then Ireland would be qualified. This match holds a few records.[17][18]
1- Netherlands scored the fastest 100 in just 6.6 overs, the fastest for any team in T20I.[17][18]
2- Netherlands scored the fastest 150 in just 10.3 overs, the fastest for any team in T20I.[17][18]
3- Netherlands won the match with 37 balls to spare, the fastest win for any team in T20I chasing 180 runs.[17][18]
Taijul Islam became only 4th Bangladeshi bowler to take a 10 wicket-haul in Test cricket. He also holds the record of third best bowling figure (11/170) in a test match by any Bangladeshi bowler.[19]
Sylhet Outer Stadium or Sylhet rocket Stadium Academy Ground is a cricket ground in Sylhet, adjacent to the main stadium. Initially it was built for practice purposes for players during international matches. However, later it was developed to international standards with BCB expecting to host international matches, particularly Test matches on this ground.
History
The ground hosted its first international match on 1 October 2022 during the 2022 Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup, with Bangladesh taking on Thailand.[25] The venue hosted nine matches of the Women's Asia Cup, while 15 matches were hosted on the main stadium.
Gallery
Newly built grandstand
Giant screen
Crowded stadium during a BPL match
The green hillock at the ground
The roof of the main pavilion
The green hillock at the ground
People cheering after Shakib Al Hasan hit a boundary during the first Bangladesh vs Ireland ODI
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