If you live in Dhaka, there’s a high chance that cricket isn’t just a sport for you — it’s a lifestyle. From rooftop matches to international stadiums, cricket pulses through the city’s veins. But how do you go from a casual tape-tennis street match to real, structured cricket? Whether you dream of becoming a professional cricketer or just want to enjoy the sport with friends, this guide will walk you through how to start playing cricket in Dhaka — step by step.
Let’s break it down for absolute beginners.
Why Cricket is More Than a Game in Dhaka
Cricket is the heartbeat of Bangladesh. In Dhaka, it’s everywhere — in alleys, school fields, parks, and even on rooftops. But playing cricket at a structured level takes more than a plastic bat and a rubber ball.
If you’re passionate, Dhaka is actually one of the best places in the country to begin your cricket journey. The city has access to clubs, coaches, tournaments, and gear that rural areas often lack.
Step 1: Know What Level of Cricket You Want to Play
Before you buy your first pair of pads, ask yourself this:
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Do I want to play for fun? (e.g., with friends or in local tournaments)
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Do I want to become a serious/professional cricketer? (e.g., school, club, or divisional teams)
Understanding your goal will help determine how much time, money, and energy you’ll need to invest.
Step 2: Start With Basic Gear
Even for the casual player, investing in some basic gear is smart. Here’s what you need:
🎯 Essential Beginner Cricket Kit:
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Bat: Start with a tennis ball or training bat if you’re just beginning.
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Ball: Tennis balls for casual; cork/leather balls if joining an academy.
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Gloves & Pads: For leather-ball practice.
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Helmet: Safety first when playing with a hard ball.
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Shoes: Rubber sole cricket shoes for outdoor or indoor training.
Where to Buy Cricket Gear in Dhaka:
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Bangabandhu National Stadium Market (Paltan area) — most popular.
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Elephant Road — known for sports stores and quality gear.
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Online Stores: Daraz, Evaly, and Cricket97.com
Start light — you can always upgrade once you gain experience.
Step 3: Find a Local Ground or Net to Practice
Dhaka can feel cramped, but you’ll be surprised how many cricket practice spots exist if you know where to look.
🏏 Top Cricket Practice Grounds in Dhaka:
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Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium (Academy nets)
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Kamalapur Stadium Practice Nets
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BKSP Grounds (Savar — a bit outside Dhaka but highly recommended)
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Private club grounds in Uttara, Dhanmondi, or Mohammadpur
If you’re playing casually, local parks like Ramna Park, Dhanmondi Lake Field, or even school fields (on weekends) are good places to start.
Step 4: Join a Cricket Coaching Academy
If you’re serious about learning proper techniques, a coaching center is essential. Trained coaches can fix bad habits early and teach you the nuances of the game.
🏫 Top Cricket Academies in Dhaka:
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Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP)
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The country’s premier sports training institution.
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Shinepukur Cricket Academy
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Known for developing youth talent.
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Dhaka City Cricket Academy
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Affordable and beginner-friendly.
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Anwar Khan Modern Cricket Academy (Dhanmondi)
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Focused on school and college-level players.
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Fees: Range from ৳1,000 to ৳5,000/month depending on the academy.
Most academies train in the early morning or late afternoon, so it’s manageable alongside school or work.
Step 5: Get Fit – Physically and Mentally
Cricket today is a fitness-intensive sport. Even if you’re a batter, you’ll need endurance, agility, and strength.
💪 Cricket-Specific Fitness Focus:
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Stamina: Jogging, running drills.
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Core Strength: Essential for bowlers and batters.
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Flexibility: Prevents injuries and helps fielding.
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Mental Toughness: Train your mind to focus under pressure.
Many cricket academies in Dhaka include fitness sessions. Otherwise, a local gym can supplement your routine.
Step 6: Play Local Matches and Tournaments
The best way to improve is through match experience. Once you’ve trained for a few months, start playing in local tournaments or club matches.
🎯 Popular Entry-Level Tournaments in Dhaka:
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Corporate/School League Matches
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Zonal Club Leagues (Uttara League, Dhanmondi Cup, etc.)
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BPL Fan Leagues & Youth T20 Events
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Facebook-organized cricket events (e.g., CricFriends BD)
Ask your coach or academy about these. They often send players to trial-based events.
Step 7: Get Noticed by Clubs or Scouts
If you’re performing well in matches, you might attract the attention of:
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Division Clubs
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School or College Teams
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Local Coaches Connected with National Scouts
Tip:
Keep a record of your scores and match performances. You can create a Cricheroes or MyCricket profile to track your progress.
Bonus: How to Stay Motivated in Dhaka’s Busy Environment
Dhaka’s traffic, pollution, and limited spaces can be a mental and physical drain. Here are a few tips to stay on track:
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Plan Practice Early: Aim for morning sessions before the roads get crowded.
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Use Rooftops Smartly: For light training or net batting with soft balls.
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Join Online Cricket Communities: Facebook groups like “Cricket Lovers BD” or “Cricket Trials & Camps Bangladesh” post updates about camps and trials.
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Set Small Goals: Don’t aim to play for the national team tomorrow. Aim to play your first match next month.
Budget Breakdown: Starting Cricket in Dhaka
| Item | Cost Range (৳ BDT) |
|---|---|
| Basic Gear Set | 2,000 – 8,000 |
| Academy Fees (Monthly) | 1,000 – 5,000 |
| Match Fees / Registration | 300 – 1,000 per match |
| Fitness & Nutrition | Optional: 1,000 – 3,000/month |
You can start decently with around ৳5,000 to ৳10,000 and scale up based on seriousness.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping Fitness: Skill without stamina won’t take you far.
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Ignoring Coaching: YouTube videos can’t replace in-person feedback.
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Buying Expensive Gear Too Early: Start simple, upgrade later.
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Overtraining: Give your body time to rest.
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Quitting After One Bad Match: Everyone has bad days — it’s part of the game.
Final Thoughts: Cricket in Dhaka is Just a Bat Away
You don’t need to be a prodigy to start playing cricket in Dhaka — just passion and a plan. Whether you want to become the next Shakib Al Hasan or just love the sound of leather on willow, your journey begins now.
Grab your bat, find your ground, and take your first shot. In a city where cricket is everywhere, you’re just one innings away from making your mark.
Mayank Chowdhary is a professional cricket player in domestic cricket in India. He is very passionate about cricket and knows ins and out of cricket betting. With this long experience, now he has decided to share his experience with other cricket lover like you. Know more at the about me page.