MA Aziz Stadium

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MA Aziz Stadium (also known as Chittagong Stadium) is the main stadium in use in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The local cricket and football teams play there. Its total capacity is 20,000. On a historical note, this stadium was used as headquarters during the war for independence in 1971. Ten years later, President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated there.

[edit] History

The first ODI took place back in 27 October, 1988 during the Wills Asia Cup. Bangladesh’s opponent was India and Pakistan in those two matches. Bangladesh lost the matches by 9 wickets and 173 runs respectably. Bangladesh played 7 Tests and 8 ODI so far in this ground. The stadium made a debut as the 82nd test venue in 15 November with test match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. According to the plan of BangladeshCricket Board the test and ODI (took place on 23 December) between Bangladesh and India was the last matches that were held at the stadium.

Back in 1 January 1955 Indian team led by Vinu Mankad came to play in the newly built stadium at that time. There opponent were East Pakistan Sports Federation. Then the Stadium was called Niaz Stadium, after the name of District Administrator of that time who helped to build it. Then the name of the mountain covered aria was Jongli Polton. Later it was changed. After the Mankad’s team the stadium welcomed Donald Carr of MCC. MCC also came once more after the war of liberation. In 1976-77 the name of the stadium was changed to Chattagram Jilla Krira Porishod (Chittagong District Sports Organization) stadium. It was under the PG of that district.

The stadium became the centre of the Chittagong's sports over the years. In 1957-58 Chittagong Commerce College met Jogonnath College at the final of the Inter College Cricket. Chittagong team was runners up. At the outer part of the stadium Star Jubo and Star Summer also held. East Bengal also came to play as well. In the 80’s cricket started to influence by Asgar, Abedin and Ispahani family. Many of the National Team cricketers like Minhajul Abedin, Akram Khan and Nurul Abedin started their carrier here. Later tournaments like Star Jubo and Star summer had stopped.