A big budget for a big stadium in Purbachal is not feasible at this moment, said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed.
The then BCB president Najmul Hassan Papon took the initiative of a big stadium with boat-shaped design, named after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Purbachal, a project that he cited as big dream.
"It was supposed to be a big stadium with two grounds. But at the moment, we won't be able to make such a big budget for this stadium. So we decided to back out from the project," Faruque said while visiting the stadium in Purbachal on Saturday.
But the BCB has a plan to use one ground for cricket at this moment.
"We will try to make adjustments to the original design and focusing on essential elements like playing fields. For the time being, we will start with one ground first and then will try to make the adjacent ground suitable for cricket. We'll start the work very soon," he added.
BCB got a big space for the stadium from the ousted government at a nominal price. The cost of the stadium was estimated at Tk 900 crore. However, due to the increase in the price of goods, the budget soared to Tk. 1500 crore.
The board has already paid Tk 76 crore to the consulting firm Populas.
"We have already invested in this regard. It should be carried forward without making any major changes. Because you can't do everything overnight," he added.
"Firstly, we'll build the playing field and dressing room. I haven't seen the plan they had for the stadium. So I can't comment on this now. We'll try to build the ground and dressing by making adjustments with the main design." —BSS
