Sports Desk:

The Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, formerly known as the Fateh Maidan, holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshi cricket fans, as many believe it all started there in 1998.

Bangladesh secured their first ODI victory by defeating Kenya by six wickets in the Coca Cola Triangular series, thanks to Mohammad Rafique’s brilliant 77 as a pinch hitter at number three. It marked the beginning of Tigers’ cricketing journey.

The venue was known for hosting international cricket matches, including World Cup games, and it also served as the home ground for legendary players like Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, Mohammad Azharuddin, and VVS Laxman.

The decline of Lal Bahadur Shastri StadiumHowever, cricket has become a distant memory at this historic venue, which witnessed some unforgettable matches.

On 9 October, a meeting of local high-ups was held at the stadium, where people were busy dismantling the stage that had been placed over the pitch, the same spot where Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid set a 331-run ODI partnership against New Zealand in 1999-2000.

The gallery, which once roared with excitement after every shot, now holds those memories close to its heart.

According to officials, cricket shifted from this venue after the introduction of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, and over time, it has faded away.

“I have been working here for the last 20 years and haven’t seen any cricket, apart from some coaching for children. Here, children also receive football and karate coaching,” said an official.

“We are part of the Teranga Sports Association, while the other one (Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium) is part of the Hyderabad Sports Association. We don’t have any connection between us,” he added.

It seems cricket was sacrificed as the two sports associations of Hyderabad drifted apart, but in the minds of the Bangladeshi public, this venue will always be remembered as they tasted their first ODI victory, which ultimately became their greatest strength.