The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) is one of Bangladesh’s proudest sporting landmarks. It is located at the outskirts of Sylhet City. In the history of the nation, this ground is considered more than just a cricket venue. It’s a blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. The stadium is surrounded by rolling green hills, tea gardens, and a unique “green gallery”. Thus, it offers both players and spectators an unforgettable experience during the games.
Since its transformation ahead of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, SICS has become a global cricketing force on the sporting map. Let’s explore more about the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) in this blog.
Quick Takeaways of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS):
| Attribute | Details |
| Stadium Name | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) |
| Location | Sylhet, Bangladesh |
| Established | 2007 (renovated in 2013 for international standards) |
| Capacity | Approximately 18,500 spectators |
| Owner and Operator | Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) |
| End Names | Isphani End, Surma End |
| First International Match | 17 March 2014 (ICC World Twenty20: Ireland vs Zimbabwe) |
| First ODI | 14 December 2018 (Bangladesh vs West Indies) |
| First Test | 3–5 November 2018 (Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe) |
| Primary Tenants | Bangladesh National Cricket Team, Sylhet Strikers (BPL franchise) |
| Notable Tournaments Hosted | 2014 ICC World Twenty20, 2016 Asia Cup Qualifier, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers |
| Special Features | Picturesque hillside backdrop, modern drainage system, floodlights for day-night matches |
| Pitch Type | Balanced surface – supports both batsmen and spinners |
| Transport & Accessibility | Well-connected by Sylhet city roads, nearest airport: Osmani International Airport |
| Famous Matches | Bangladesh’s first Test win at Sylhet vs Zimbabwe (2018), BPL high-scoring thrillers |
History And Development
The story of Sylhet Stadium began in 2007, when it was first constructed as a divisional cricket ground. At the time, it was modest in size and facilities. It was mainly for domestic cricket. However, things changed with a new chapter in 2013. That was when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) identified the venue as a potential international stadium.
The 2013 Renovation For ICC World T20
In 2013, SICS was prepared for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. The stadium underwent a massive six-month renovation. The Bashat Architects & Engineers Ltd., an architectural firm, was hired to redesign the ground to meet ICC standards. It balanced Sylhet’s natural topography with modern stadium facilities.
The key upgrades included:
- A brand new two-storied spectator gallery
- Bangladesh’s first “green gallery”, a landscaped hillock designed for fans
- Giant LED video screen and electronic scoreboards
- Media center, ticket booths, and turnstile entry points.
This rapid transformation put Sylhet on the world cricket stage. It thus became feasible to host both men’s and women’s T20 World Cup matches in 2014.
Further Expansion and Test Match Status
In 2017, the stadium was upgraded again. It added an eastern stand, extended galleries, and improved facilities for players and the broadcasters. Then, the biggest milestone came in November 2018. That’s when Sylhet hosted its first-ever Test match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. With this, SICS became Bangladesh’s eighth Test venue.
Location and Unique Setting
So, what makes SICS extraordinary in its settings? Unlike most concrete-dominated grounds, Sylhet blends sport with nature. It is nestled in the tea estate region of northeast Bangladesh. The venue is framed by lush green hills, making it one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world.
The green gallery of the stadium works as a highlight feature. It’s a landscaped hillock that acts as a natural seating area for fans. It gives the stadium a relaxed and festival-like atmosphere. The refreshing landscape not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes the fan experience unique.
It is located just off the airport road. The stadium is easily accessible by road, with parking. Also features the pedestrian pathways and good traffic flow management during big matches.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Today, SICS is equipped with modern cricketing infrastructure that rivals top venues worldwide. Here is a table dealing with those aspects in a detailed manner:
| Category | Details |
| Seating and Capacity | • Total capacity: 18,500 – 22,000 spectators• Combination of covered stands, open stands, and green gallery |
| Playing Surface and Ground Facilities | • High-quality turf with modern drainage system• Floodlights for day–night matches• Electronic scoreboard and giant video screens• Practice nets and warm-up areas |
| Player and Media Amenities | • Spacious dressing rooms for teams• Separate facilities for match officials• State-of-the-art media center with broadcasting equipment |
| Fan-Friendly Features | • Turnstile entries for efficient crowd management• Food stalls and refreshment points• Natural seating in landscaped gallery• CCTV surveillance for security |
| Overall Atmosphere | Combination of modern stands and natural green slopes |
Sporting Highlights
Since its international debut, Sylhet has hosted several memorable cricketing moments, including:
- First T20I: Ireland vs Zimbabwe (17 March 2014)
- First ODI: Bangladesh vs West Indies (14 December 2018)
- First Test: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe (3–6 November 2018)
Records and Performances
- On the ground of Sylhet, Bangladesh recorded one of their highest ODI totals—349/6.
- T20Is here have an average first-innings score of around 133 runs. This makes it a fair surface for both batters and bowlers.
- Fans witnessed multiple centuries and memorable bowling spells in Sylhet. This includes crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fixtures.
Besides international cricket, the stadium is also the home ground for the Sylhet Division cricket team. It is a popular venue for Bangladesh Premier League matches. It gives fans regular opportunities to enjoy high-quality cricket.
Why Sylhet Stadium Stands Out
Several features of the stadium are listed below:
- A blend of sport and scenery: There are very few stadiums in the world that have such scenic beauty as Sylhet. Its hillocks and tea estates give the venue a postcard-like charm.
- Rapid Development: The Stadium’s transformation was made in just six months before the 2014 ICC event. It showed Bangladesh’s commitment to cricket’s global stage.
- Unique Green Gallery: The fans experience the relaxing, festival-like atmosphere. They do so from the hillside spectator’s area.
- Growing International Importance: With Test, ODI, and T20I status, Sylhet has cemented itself as a regular fixture in Bangladesh’s cricketing calendar.
Challenges and Opportunities
Here’s a detailed description of the Challenges and Opportunities for Sylhet International Cricket Stadium:
| Challenges | Details | Opportunities | Details |
| Weather | Heavy rainfall and humidity disrupt matches and pitch preparation | Eco-Friendly Branding | Natural green gallery offers scope for solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and sustainability initiatives |
| Capacity Limits | Seating expansion is restricted due to the surrounding hilly terrain | Cricket Tourism | Leverage Sylhet’s tea gardens and natural beauty to attract international cricket fans |
| Accessibility | Traffic congestion during major fixtures despite good connectivity | Hosting Regional Events | Potential to host Asia Cup matches, ICC qualifiers, and more global tournaments |
Final Thoughts
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) is a symbol of Bangladesh’s rise in world cricket. It’s a showcase of Sylhet’s natural beauty. The stadium has proven its worth as both a sporting hub and a scenic landmark. It happened with its rapid transformation from hosting the 2014 ICC World T20 to hosting Test cricket.
Sylhet is becoming one of Asia’s most iconic cricket stadiums. For fans and players alike, watching a match here is not just about cricket. It’s about experiencing the beauty of Bangladesh.
