The world now can sense the return of cricket following the coronavirus pandemic that had halted proceedings since March.
As part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)’s continuing efforts at facilitating its exit strategy following the disruption to programmes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, major international and first-class venues have been undergoing constant
maintenance.
These venues include, Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in Chattogram, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) in Sylhet, Khan Shahaeb Osman Ali Stadium (KSOAS) in Fatullah, Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium (SKICS) in Cox’s Bazar, Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium (SANS) in Khulna, Shahid Chandu Stadium (SCS) in Bogra and Shahid Kamaruzzaman Stadium (SKS) in Rajshahi.
Over 100 groundsmen and venue personnel have remained active with pitch, outfield and facilities maintenance at the stadiums which is an ongoing process.
Regular work includes watering, trimming and cutting of grass, administering fertilisers and insecticides, top dressing, planting of Bermuda grass, removal of weed, rolling and sand filling.
In addition, checking and servicing of ground equipment and machinery is mandatory at all stadiums. Technicians for power supply and water substations are also on duty.
The venues are following hygiene and safety standards as per the COVID-19 guideline of the BCB. Staff and workers have been instructed to maintain the sanitisation protocol.
Despite the challenges of ensuring adequate workforce during the time of the coronavirus, sufficient number of cleaners have been assigned at the BCB facilities.
BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said: “We are very mindful of the fact that we have to get our cricketers back on the field sooner rather than later.
The process of resumption should start with training and for that we have kept our grounds and practice facilities fully prepared and functional.
Sport has also resumed in different parts of the world with different measures. Sooner or later it should also resume in Bangladesh, irrespective of the Covid-19 situation.
The ‘new normal’ tag should also be implemented in sports as well as we can see major sporting events like the European football leagues have started.
In cricket, England-West Indies series is going to take place in few days. So, Bangladesh and BCB should also continue efforts for its exit strategy.