Much work remains in Chittagong
Mohammad Isam and Pranabesh Chakraborty
Construction sites are never pleasing to the eye, especially in a sports venue where the deadline is looming. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will send a delegation in mid-December to inspect the 2011 World Cup venues and in all likelihood, even at that time the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong will remain unfinished.
Questions were raised about the ground's readiness to host the two one-dayers between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe next month, but those look to be answered as the players' dressing room, although bare, has been reconstructed while the media centre looks ready. The main concern remains with the eastern galleries, which have not been made ready yet.
It would be impossible to expect that side of the ground, from the left of the media centre right up to one corner of the VIP stand, will remain under construction when the Zimbabweans play or when the ICC comes to inspect.
The chance of a large crowd for the two one-dayers against Zimbabwe will further be reduced due to additional security concerns. “The number of tickets issued will depend on security clearance. The bottom part [of the eastern stand] might be ready for the fans but we have to think about their safety too. If that stand is sanctioned by the authorities, then it can happen,” said an official, who requested anonymity.
The capacity of the stadium could be just over 20,000 after the seats have been installed, further shrinking the chance of many cricket-loving fans in the port city that are eager to see the Tigers in action.
According to the official, though work started as early as April this year, the pace has been slow because a large number of government bodies are involved. A water crisis in the stadium may not be avoided as the location of the stadium (at one corner of Chittagong city) is making it difficult to connect to a water line.
The stretch of road leading to the stadium is also a cause for concern as the waste from the huge cattle market, on that road, has not yet been removed.
At the moment, the Tigers are training on good pitches and practice facilities inside the ground and are enjoying a newly-laid outfield but they are being provided with a canopy for a dressing-room and the bathroom, as pointed out by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, is outside the ground in the indoor practice area. “Everything is fine, the wicket, the practice facilities, the outfield and I also think it's a good place they have managed for us to rest. The only problem is that the toilet is outside,” said Mashrafe, who was not the only one to raise concern about the ground.
A good number of national players were heard enquiring about the completion of the stands and every question had the standard answer: “The dressing room and press box will be ready for the Zimbabwe series but the rest will be done before the World Cup.”
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