International Cricket Returns to Bogra After 16 Years, Kicks Off with U19 Series

It’s been over 16 years since international cricket last graced Shahid Chandu Stadium in Bogra. The historic venue, which witnessed Bangladesh’s first victory over Sri Lanka in 2006, is finally set to host foreign teams again — this time with a five-match Under-19 series against Afghanistan.

Back in 2006, the stands were packed with enthusiastic fans as Bangladesh faced a strong Sri Lankan side. Exceptional bowling by Syed Rasel, Mohammad Rafique, and Alok Kapali restricted Sri Lanka to 212 runs. Batting highlights came from Mohammad Ashraful (50), Javed Omar (40), and a late blitz by Aftab Ahmed, who scored 33 off 21 balls. Bangladesh chased down the target, winning by four wickets, marking their first-ever victory against Sri Lanka.

Since that historic triumph, Shahid Chandu Stadium has largely remained absent from the international cricket map. Over the past decade, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) made little effort to host international matches at the venue. Political conflicts, mismanagement, and the board’s shifting focus caused the stadium to fall into relative obscurity, occasionally hosting domestic games but never again seeing the international spotlight.

Now, that long drought is ending. The Afghanistan U19 team will tour Bogura for a five-match series, with the first two games taking place at Shahid Chandu Stadium. According to the BCB’s schedule, Afghanistan’s youth squad will arrive in Dhaka on October 20 and move to Bogura the same day. The series opener is set for October 28, followed by the second match on October 31, both at Shahid Chandu Stadium.

This series isn’t just another U19 competition — it represents the revival of international cricket in Bogura, giving local fans the chance to watch top-level cricket from the stands once more.

The last international youth match in Bogura took place in 2009, with Zimbabwe U19 as the opponent. Players like Enamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque, Sabbir Rahman, and Nasir Hossain — who later represented Bangladesh at the senior international level — featured in that game. In May 2010, South Africa Academy visited Bogura for a single match against the BCB Academy team, marking the final foreign tour to the city.

After this long hiatus, Shahid Chandu Stadium is ready to welcome international teams again. The final three matches of the series will be held at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on November 3, 6, and 9. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s U19 squad is conducting its preparatory camp in Rajshahi ahead of the series.

The stadium has been renovated, with upgrades to the field and infrastructure, ensuring that Bogura cricket fans can once again enjoy live matches. The venue that once nurtured future stars who went on to represent Bangladesh at the highest level may witness the rise of new talents — perhaps the next Mominul or Ashraful — emerging from this series.

It’s now just a matter of time.