The south-western city of Khulna has worn a decorated look ahead of the first of two Test matches between Bangladesh and Pakistan at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, slated for tomorrow. Different points of the city have been adorned with colours and lightings and all necessary steps have been taken to prevent any untoward incident. The arrival of the two teams last Saturday night took the excitement to a new level.
The Khulna-Jessore link road, Mujgunni, Boara, Nurunnagar, Joragate, New Market, Shibbari, Dak Bangla Circle and several other intersections of the city have been decorated with posters and lightings.
The SANS, which last hosted a Test match in November last year, has been renovated. The broken chairs in the stands have been replaced with new ones while the giant screen is in tip-top shape. The Manjural Islam Rana stand has also been upgraded.
“The venue is ready to host the Test match. Both the teams had their first practice sessions today (yesterday) and are pleased with the arrangements so far. Now we are waiting for the first ball of the five-day game to be bowled. We hope the 11,000 seats will be filled during the game,” said SANS venue manager Abdus Salam.
Tickets of the first Test match will go on sale from today. Two United Commercial Bank Limited branches - Helatola Road and Khan Jahan Ali Road - in the city of Khulna will distribute the tickets.
UCB vice president and chief of Khulna branch, Mohammad Moslehuddin, said, “We will start selling tickets from April 27 (today). The interested ones can collect the tickets from the two dedicated branches. We have planned to sell at least 8,000 tickets from the two branches. One person will be able to buy a maximum of two tickets.”
