Home of Bhutan Cricket
Gelephu International Cricket Ground
In the heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City stands the Gelephu International Cricket Ground, a place that has quickly become central to the story of cricket in Bhutan. Inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck on 17 February 2024, it remains the country’s only international-standard cricket ground. Today, it hosts all international matches and most domestic tournaments played in Bhutan.
What sets GICG apart is not only its status, but its setting. Open land, distant mountain ranges, and a sense of space surround the ground. On some mornings, before players arrive, ground staff walk the outfield quietly, checking the surface after a night of rain. Even on match days, when the stands come alive, the connection with nature never really disappears.
The pavilion reflects this balance well. It meets international requirements, yet it does not feel generic. Traditional Bhutanese elements, seen in the paintings, window patterns, and roof details, give the structure character and a strong sense of place. It feels rooted, not imported.
On the field, GICG has six pitches built to international specifications. Boundary dimensions meet the required standards, with a minimum of 65 yards for men and 55 to 60 yards for women. Multiple pitches allow curators to rotate surfaces during tournaments, which becomes essential when matches are scheduled close together.
The outfield is maintained using local grass varieties that suit the climate and conditions of Gelephu. Nearby, four practice nets, two astro-turf and two turf wickets provide space for players to train and prepare throughout the year.
At GICG, weather decides almost everything. Summer is warm and wet, with average temperatures between 23°C and 24°C and daytime highs reaching around 30°C. From mid-spring to mid-autumn, heavy and frequent rainfall is common. During this time, the pitch and outfield often remain damp, grass grows quickly, and hosting tournaments becomes difficult. Rain, more than anything else, shapes the daily work of the ground staff.
The most reliable playing conditions arrive in late autumn, winter, and early spring. These months are generally dry and cool, with minimal rainfall. Winter daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, with cooler nights between 10°C and 15°C, making Gelephu relatively warm compared to other parts of the country. For cricket, these months offer the most dependable conditions.
Still, winter brings its own challenges. Dry conditions can cause the outfield grass to thin or die back. To manage this, ground staff regularly sprinkle water and apply urea to encourage growth. Progress is slow, and limited water availability, along with the lack of advanced irrigation systems, adds to the difficulty.
Despite these challenges, the commitment of the ground staff remains steady. “Whether it is the rainy season or the dry season, we try to prepare pitches that support both batting and bowling whenever we host tournaments. That responsibility stays the same,” says National Curator Amber Bdr Rai.
“We don’t wait for tournaments to begin our work. The ground is maintained throughout the year,” he adds.
Under his leadership, a team of six staff members works continuously to care for the pitch and outfield. Back-to-back matches, consecutive tournaments, and ongoing training camps often stretch their capacity, but the work continues.