The days of cricketers not having proper indoor practice facilities will soon be a thing of the past when the national players return after completing in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

The indoor facilities at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium, the future home of Bangladesh cricket, will be handed over to the National Sports Council (NSC) for use later this month.

The facilities, built outside the main stadium, are just a part of a master-plan to convert the football arena into an international standard cricket centre.

"Everything has been done to ensure that the players can train unhindered here before they take part in September's ICC Champions Trophy in England," said Bangladesh Cricket Board's ground and facilities committee secretary

Rafiqul Islam said yesterday.

"And I can say the facilities are much better than at the BKSP or the Women's Complex in Dhanmondi." The cricketers will get three wickets for training and more importantly enough space for bowlers to operate from a full run-up at the 130-feet long pitches. There is also a canteen that acts as a shade.

It was due to be handed over by construction firm Buildtrade Limited by June 30 but the BCB, which made the plan according to Cricket Australia's suggestions, wanted some minor modifications done, so the hand over date was put back.

The NSC wants to provide indoor training facilities in each of the country's divisional headquarters and the remaining indoor facilities are under construction.

Renovation of the Mirpur Stadium will begin in full swing after end of the final phase of the fourth National Football League in September.