Thimphu, Bhutan, February 19, 2024: The President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, inaugurated the Gelephu International Cricket Ground on Saturday, February 17.
Bhutan’s first international standard cricket ground will realise the long-awaited dreams of cricketers and fans in the country. Many observers view that Bhutan can draw technical help and support from neighbouring South Asian cricketing giants like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Prince Jigyel inaugurated the ground, which was built at a cost of Bhutanese Ngultrum 60 million (US$723,000) and funded by the Asian Cricket Council, the International Cricket Council and the Bhutan Olympic Committee. Construction began in 2016.
On hand for the inauguration ceremony was ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawja, ICC Head of Global Development William Glenwright, ICC Development Manager Aminul Islam, Deputy Ambassador of the Indian Embassy Niteen Yoela, Country representative of Unicef Bhutan Ms. Andrea James and President of Bhutan Cricket Thinley Wangchuk Dorji.
The President of Bhutan Cricket said the ground would serve as a hub for local, national and international tournaments, and as a training facility for the national teams.
ICC Deputy Chairman Khawja said Bhutan was one of the fastest-growing members of the ICC, and commended Bhutan’s participation at the ICC which had increased by 123 per cent in the past five years.
Coinciding with the inauguration ceremony, the Bhutan India Friendship Association Cup was launched with participation of teams from India and Bhutan.
