A powerful earthquake brought a sudden and dramatic halt to the second Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka on Friday, sending players, officials, and spectators scrambling for safety.
Match Abruptly Suspended as Tremors Hit
Play was stopped mid-delivery at 10:38 am local time when the ground began to shake violently at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The match was frozen for approximately three minutes on the third morning as the 5.7 magnitude quake, with its epicentre in Madhabdi about 40 kilometres east of the capital, struck.
Television footage captured the moment cameras started shaking, reflecting the panic on the ground. Umpires and players from both teams quickly gathered in the centre of the pitch, moving away from the stadium structures. In the stands, a rapid evacuation saw fans rushing towards open areas and exits to avoid potential danger.
Stadium Evacuation and Safety Measures
Safety protocols were swiftly enacted across the venue. Both team dressing rooms were evacuated almost immediately as the tremors intensified. Officials ushered players out onto the outfield to ensure their safety.
The media centre, a five-storey building at the north end of the ground, was also completely cleared as staff fled to more secure, open spaces. Security personnel monitored the situation closely while announcements were made to the subdued crowd, guiding the evacuation efforts.
Resuming Play and Regional Impact
After a brief delay, the decision was made to resume play. Ireland slipped to 211 for 7 by lunch in reply to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 476. The match continued under a cloud of heightened awareness, with players and officials instructed to report any further tremors immediately.
Beyond the cricket ground, the earthquake caused significant disruption and tragedy across Dhaka and surrounding regions. Initial reports confirmed at least six fatalities in the capital. Three people were killed when part of a building's roof and wall collapsed, and three pedestrians died after being struck by falling building railings.
One Dhaka resident, Suman Rahman, described the terrifying scenes to the Daily Mail: 'We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees. Staircases were jammed as people rushed down. Everyone was terrified, children were crying.'
The US Geological Survey had warned of the potential for 'significant casualties' due to the region's high population density. Tremors were also felt in India's eastern states, including Kolkata and Guwahati. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, urged calm as authorities began to assess the full scale of the destruction.
