Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium: Chattogram's Cricketing Jewel

Where Bangladesh’s Cricket Dreams Took Flight – A Fortress of Records and Roaring Crowds

Introduction

Nestled between the rolling hills and bustling streets of Chattogram, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) stands as a beacon of Bangladesh’s cricketing passion. Since its inception, this 20,000-seat arena has been more than just a cricket ground—it’s where history was made, legends were born, and a nation’s love for the game found its loudest voice. From hosting Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win to electrifying BPL clashes, ZACS is a stadium that pulses with energy, drama, and unforgettable moments.

History & Construction: A Venue Built on Vision

From Humble Beginnings to International Glory

Original Name: Chittagong Divisional Stadium (pre-2001).
Renamed: In honor of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury, a revered politician and cricket advocate.
Established: 2004, with upgrades to meet ICC standards by 2006.
Historic First: Became Bangladesh’s second Test venue after Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.

Key Milestones

2006: Hosted its maiden Test (Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka).
2009: Witnessed Bangladesh’s first Test win vs West Indies—a watershed moment.
2011: ICC Cricket World Cup venue (Bangladesh’s famous win over England).
2014 & 2016: Hosted matches in the ICC World T20 and Asia Cup.

Architectural & Design Highlights

A Stadium Designed for Drama

Seating Capacity: 20,000 (intimate yet electric atmosphere).
Pitch & Outfield: Batting-friendly early on, favors spinners later—classic subcontinental traits.
Floodlights: High-quality lighting for day-night matches.
Drainage System: Advanced setup to counter Chattogram’s monsoon rains.

Unique Features

Semi-open stands with coastal breezes from the Bay of Bengal.
Vibrant fan zones with local food stalls and merchandise.
Compact design ensures no bad seat in the house.

Unforgettable Matches & Iconic Records

Test Cricket Glory

2009: Bangladesh’s First Test Win

Opponent: West Indies
Heroes: Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim.
Legacy: Proved Bangladesh could compete at the highest level.

Record-Breaking Performances

Mominul Haque’s 176 (2018) – A masterclass vs Sri Lanka.
Shakib Al Hasan’s 10-wicket haul (2014) – Dominance with ball.

ODI & T20 Fireworks

2011 World Cup: Bangladesh Stun England

A thrilling 2-wicket win in front of a roaring home crowd.

BPL Spectacles

Home of the Chattogram Challengers – packed stands, cheerleaders, fireworks.
Chris Gayle’s 146 (2012)* – One of the greatest T20 knocks ever.

Fan Experience: Where Passion Meets Cricket

The Chattogram Crowd—Loud, Proud, Unstoppable

Chants & Cheers: "Bangladesh! Bangladesh!" echoing non-stop.
Sea of Red & Green: Flags, face paint, and jerseys turning stands into a carnival.
Local Flavors: Stadium biryani, fuchka, and sugarcane juice fueling the frenzy.

Match-Day Atmosphere

Pre-game: street vendors, live music, and fan marches.
During play: Deafening roars for every boundary/wicket.
Post-match: Celebrations spilling into the streets.

Legacy & Future: Beyond Boundaries

A Cradle of Talent

Nurtured stars like Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Grassroots impact: Local academies using the stadium for training.

The Road Ahead

Planned upgrades: expanding seating and better VIP lounges.
More global events: bidding for future ICC tournaments.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Stadium

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium isn’t just bricks and grass—it’s where Bangladesh’s cricketing heartbeat is strongest. From historic wins to spine-tingling atmospheres, this ground has given fans memories that last a lifetime. As Chattogram’s cricket fortress, it stands tall, ready to script more glory in the years to come.

"When the crowd roars here, the whole city shakes." — A Bangladeshi cricket fan

ZACS at a Glance

Category	Details
Location	Sagorika, Chattogram
Capacity	20,000
First Test	2006 (BAN vs SL)
First Test Win	2009 (BAN vs WI)
Notable Records	Mominul’s 176, Shakib’s 10-wicket haul
BPL Team	Chattogram Challengers