Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur: Ground Guide
A guide to Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, covering its history, the 2011 World Cup opener, Asia Cup finals and its spin-friendly pitch.
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, usually called the Mirpur Stadium, is the principal cricket venue in Bangladesh. Located in the Mirpur area of Dhaka, it is the home of the national team and the centre of the game in the country.
History and name
The stadium opened in 2006 and replaced the old Bangabandhu National Stadium as the main international ground in Dhaka. It is named Sher-e-Bangla, meaning Tiger of Bengal, after A. K. Fazlul Huq.
Major events
Mirpur staged the opening match of the 2011 World Cup, in which Bangladesh played India, as the tournament began in Dhaka. The stadium also hosted matches at the 2014 T20 World Cup.
It has been a venue for the Asia Cup, including the 2012 final in which Pakistan beat Bangladesh by two runs, and the 2016 Twenty20 final, in which India beat Bangladesh by eight wickets.
In Test cricket, Bangladesh beat Australia here in August 2017, a result regarded as one of the country’s most notable wins.
Pitch and conditions
The surface at Mirpur has a reputation for being slow and low, offering help to spinners and often making strokeplay difficult, especially early in an innings. Scores in all formats tend to be modest compared with batting-friendly venues, and teams frequently pick multiple spinners. Dhaka’s heat and humidity add to the demands on players.
Franchise cricket
The stadium is the main venue for the Bangladesh Premier League, hosting matches for franchises representing Dhaka and other regions.
Why it matters
Mirpur is central to Bangladeshi cricket’s growth, serving as the stage for the national team’s biggest home occasions and giving the country a major arena for international events.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sher-e-Bangla mean?
It means Tiger of Bengal, a title associated with A. K. Fazlul Huq, after whom the stadium is named.
Which World Cup match was held at Mirpur in 2011?
The tournament opener between Bangladesh and India was played there.
What are the conditions like at Mirpur?
The pitch tends to be slow and low, helping spinners and often keeping scores moderate.