The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS), commonly referred to as Sylhet Stadium and previously referred to as Sylhet Divisional Stadium, is a well-known cricket ground located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Bordered by beautiful hills and tea gardens, this stadium will serve anyone with a totally peaceful and beautiful view. Its special feature is that it is the only cricket stadium in the country with a green gallery. It is quite a distance away from the bustling city, so many consider it the most beautiful stadium in Bangladesh.

The stadium was completely redesigned in 2013 according to the international standards and preparation was made to host matches of the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and ICC Women’s World Twenty20 at this venue. Its first international match took place on March 17, 2014, between Ireland and Zimbabwe. More recently, it served as the venue for the 2022 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup.

Upcoming T20I Series: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

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Bangladesh is set to face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of a three-match series at SICS on Monday, March 4. The series is an important preparation for both teams for the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled for June. This would be the first three-match bilateral T20I series involving the two sides, even though they have faced each other in the shortest format earlier on venues such as Sylhet.

With the series level at 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the first game by three narrow runs and Bangladesh posted a glorious evening eight-wicket victory in the second, the last match promises to be exciting when the two sides go head-to-head for the ultimate prize of winning the series.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: T20I Head-to-Head

Sri Lanka has a big advantage over Bangladesh in the T20I match-up, having played 13 matches against each other in which Sri Lanka has won nine compared to four by the latter. The five matches have been held in Bangladesh, with the outcome being in favor of Sri Lanka owing to leading 4-1. The only time the teams clashed at SICS, Sri Lanka won with a commanding margin of 75 runs in 2018.

T20I Records at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

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Total matches played: 50
Matches won batting first: 29
Matches won bowling first: 21
Average first innings score: 131
Average second innings score: 105
Highest total recorded: 210/4 (Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh)
Lowest total recorded: 33/10 (Malaysia Women vs Sri Lanka Women)
Highest successful chase: 193/4 (Netherlands vs Ireland)
Lowest total defended: 83/5 (Sri Lanka Women vs Bangladesh Women)

SICS and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)

This year’s BPL matches are being hosted across three cities: Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has been allocated eight matches over four match days. Sylhet has performed exceptionally in BPL 9, leading the group stage with seven wins from nine games under the captaincy of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, securing a place in the knockout stage.

Architectural Features of SICS

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In preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2014, the Sylhet Divisional Stadium was upgraded to meet ICC standards. Designed by Bashat Architects Engineers Ltd, the project combines traditional Bangladeshi architecture with modern international standards.

Located in the Lakatura hilly area near Sylhet city, the stadium was transformed into a state-of-the-art facility within six months. The project included upgrading the existing gallery to a two-story structure, increasing spectator capacity, and adding modern amenities. A tensile roof structure was incorporated to enhance the gallery’s functionality and aesthetics. The gallery chairs were color-coordinated to reflect the Bangladeshi national flag, emphasizing national pride.

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium continues to stand out as an iconic venue, blending natural beauty with cutting-edge design, making it a landmark for cricket in Bangladesh.