For some people, it is just a place to hang around, take pictures and pass a leisure evening with friends and family; few came just to watch Bangladesh women’s team play in the World Twenty20 while the rest just came to enjoy a spectacular view from the country’s only green gallery at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The venue has been a get-together place for all class of people and since the beginning of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20, the stands remained rarely empty on a match day.
The interesting part of the story is most of the spectators don’t have any idea of the countries playing on the day and they just come in and support both the sides in a match, except for the time when Bangladesh are playing.
On Monday, Mignon du Preez experienced something very unusual. The crowd cheered the South Africa captain on reaching her half-century before the same bunch applauded equally on her dismissal in the next over.
Mohammad Piash, a local CNG driver, has little interest in cricket yet he was at the field because of his family members. Piash had to take a break from his driving job and accompany his family to the ground.
The excitement among the Sylhet people can be justified as they will not be able to witness any more international action this year after the end of the World Twenty20 phase at the city tomorrow.
The stadium is yet to have an underground drainage system and while a whole new pitch is also to be laid and the process will take around eight months to be completed.
Comments about Sylhet stadium
The crowds have been really brilliant and phenomenal. We are just loving it here. Obviously it’s totally different back in England. It’s been nothing but brilliant in terms of the hotels we have had. People are so friendly here. Food is brilliant too so yeah, loving it. -England vice-captain Sarah Taylor
I’m really impressed with the pitches, they have been extremely good for batting. Compliments to the ground staff, it’s really good to see a lot of runs scored in the competition, giving the competition a lot of spice. - West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira
I think the intensity is more in cricket. Especially in Bangladesh, the passion of the crowd makes it a great experience. - Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Mary Waldron
The crowd has been fantastic. - Australia skipper Meg Lanning
It’s great to play in front of that amazing crowd. - New Zealand captain Suzie Bates