Gelephu International Cricket Ground is a T20I venue in Gelephu, Bhutan, that hosted its first Twenty20 International match in 2024.
The ground serves as a key home venue for the Bhutan men's national cricket team, nicknamed The Dragons, who are organised by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board and became an ICC associate member in 2017.
Overview
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground serves as a key T20I venue for the Bhutan men's national cricket team, widely known as The Dragons. Located in the city of Gelephu, this stadium has become a central fixture in the Kingdom of Bhutan's international cricket infrastructure. The venue hosted its first T20 match in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of cricket facilities in the region. As the team continues to compete on the international stage, the ground provides a home advantage for The Dragons during bilateral series and tournament fixtures.
Bhutan's journey in international cricket is managed by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board. The board secured its initial status as an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001. This foundational membership allowed the team to participate in various developmental tournaments. The board's status was later elevated to an associate member of the ICC in 2017, reflecting the team's growing consistency and organizational structure. This progression was crucial for the team's ability to host international matches at venues like Gelephu.
The Bhutan men's national cricket team made its international debut in 2003. This debut occurred at the Emerging Nations Tournament, which was organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Since that initial appearance, the team has regularly participated in ACC tournaments, using them as a primary platform for development and exposure. The team also competed in the World Cricket League event, specifically in WCL Division Eight in both 2010 and 2012. These early competitions helped establish the team's presence in the global cricket hierarchy.
A pivotal moment for Bhutan cricket came in April 2018, when the team was granted full T20I status. This designation meant that matches played by The Dragons were officially recognized as Twenty20 Internationals, adding weight to their performances at venues such as the Gelephu International Cricket Ground. The granting of this status allowed for more structured head-to-head matchups and enhanced the statistical significance of records set at the stadium. The combination of ICC affiliation history and T20I status underscores the importance of Gelephu as a modern cricket venue.
Venue Profile
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground is a T20I venue located in Gelephu, Bhutan. It serves as a key home ground for the Bhutan men's national cricket team, nicknamed The Dragons. The team is organised by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board, which became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001 and an associate member in 2017. Bhutan made its international debut in 2003 at the Emerging Nations Tournament organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The team has since regularly participated in ACC tournaments, including the World Cricket League Division Eight in 2010 and 2012.
According to Cricsheet data, the Gelephu International Cricket Ground has hosted 18 T20I matches between 2024-10-19 and 2025-12-29. The venue's first T20 match was recorded in 2024. These matches contribute to the growing T20I record for Bhutan, providing a domestic stage for international fixtures.
While the ground is located in Gelephu, the Dechephu Lhakhang temple in Thimphu holds spiritual significance for the team. This cultural connection underscores the broader context of Bhutanese cricket, blending athletic competition with national heritage. The venue continues to be a focal point for T20I cricket in the region, hosting matches that reflect the team's progress since its ICC affiliation.
Available data does not capture the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling records at this venue across this competition. Specific match scores, player performances, and tournament events are not detailed in the provided grounding. The focus remains on the venue's role in hosting T20I matches and its association with the Bhutan national team's development.
What are the T20I team records at Gelephu?
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground in Bhutan has hosted T20I matches since 2024. The following statistics reflect the highest and lowest team totals recorded at this venue, based on available Cricsheet ball-by-ball data.
Highest Team Total
The highest team total at the Gelephu International Cricket Ground is 223/5. This score was achieved by Bhutan against Myanmar on 2025-12-27. This performance represents the ceiling of scoring at this venue in the T20I format according to the current dataset.
Lowest Team Total
The lowest team total recorded at this venue is 45/10. This score was posted by Myanmar against Bhutan on 2025-12-26. This match occurred one day prior to the highest-scoring encounter between the same two teams.
Match Context
The data indicates that the highest and lowest totals at this venue were recorded in consecutive matches between Bhutan and Myanmar in late December 2025. No other team totals are currently captured in the available data for this venue.
Individual Records at Gelephu
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground in Bhutan has hosted significant individual performances in T20I cricket since its inaugural match in 2024. As of 28 February 2026, the venue holds notable national records for the Bhutan men's national cricket team, also known as The Dragons.
The highest individual score recorded at Gelephu International Cricket Ground is 100 runs. This milestone was achieved by Namgay Thinley on 2025-12-24. This performance stands as Bhutan's national T20I record for the highest individual score as of 28 February 2026.
In terms of bowling, the best figures at the venue are 8 wickets for 7 runs. These figures were recorded by S Yeshi on 2025-12-26. This performance is also recognized as Bhutan's national T20I record for the best bowling figures as of 28 February 2026.
These records highlight the competitive nature of T20I matches held at Gelephu. The Bhutan Cricket Council Board organizes the team, which became an ICC affiliate member in 2001 and an associate member in 2017. The team made its international debut in 2003 at the Emerging Nations Tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Bhutan has since participated in various ACC tournaments and the World Cricket League, including Division Eight in 2010 and 2012.
The individual records at Gelephu International Cricket Ground reflect the growing prominence of Bhutanese cricket on the international stage. Namgay Thinley's century and S Yeshi's eight-wicket haul are key statistical landmarks for the venue. These achievements are part of the broader history of the Bhutan men's national cricket team, which continues to compete in international T20I matches.
As of 28 February 2026, no other individual scores or bowling figures at Gelephu International Cricket Ground have surpassed these records. The venue remains a significant location for Bhutanese cricket, hosting matches that contribute to the team's statistical legacy. The records set by Namgay Thinley and S Yeshi serve as benchmarks for future players competing at this ground.
Bhutan's T20I History
The Bhutan men's national cricket team, known as The Dragons, represents the Kingdom of Bhutan in international cricket. The team is managed by the Bhutan Cricket Council Board, which joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an affiliate member in 2001 and was elevated to associate member status in 2017. Bhutan made its international debut in 2003 at the Emerging Nations Tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Since then, the team has regularly participated in ACC tournaments and competed in the World Cricket League, including Division Eight in 2010 and 2012.
Bhutan's T20I history began on 5 December 2019, when they played their first match against Nepal, losing by 141 runs. The Gelephu International Cricket Ground has since become a key venue for the team's T20I fixtures, hosting its first T20 match in 2024. This stadium plays a significant role in Bhutan's ongoing development in the shortest format of the game. Records for T20I matches are complete up to T20I #3745, providing a comprehensive dataset for analyzing team and player performances at this venue.
As Bhutan continues to compete in international cricket, the Gelephu International Cricket Ground serves as a home base for The Dragons, offering fans and players a dedicated space to experience the fast-paced action of T20I cricket. The venue's contribution to Bhutan's cricketing journey highlights the country's growing presence on the global stage, with each match adding to the rich tapestry of T20I records and statistics.
How does Gelephu compare to other T20I grounds?
The Gelephu International Cricket Ground serves as a significant venue for T20I cricket, particularly within the landscape of associate nations. Located in Gelephu, Bhutan, the stadium hosted its first T20 match in 2024. The venue has seen a notable concentration of activity in recent years, with 18 matches recorded between 2024 and 2025. This volume of fixtures highlights the ground's growing role in international cricket, providing a key home advantage for the Bhutan men's national cricket team, known as The Dragons.
The competitive nature of the matches at Gelephu is exemplified by the series between Myanmar and Bhutan. These encounters have been instrumental in establishing the venue's key records. The Bhutan Cricket Council Board, which organises the team, has leveraged this home ground to stage important T20I fixtures. Bhutan's status as an ICC associate member since 2017 has facilitated these international matchups, allowing the team to compete regularly against regional rivals like Myanmar.
While the stadium is a focal point for Bhutanese cricket, specific statistical records such as the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling milestones are not explicitly detailed in the available data. The focus remains on the venue's operational history and its contribution to the T20I calendar for associate nations. The 18 matches held between 2024 and 2025 underscore the ground's utility in scheduling, offering a consistent venue for bilateral series and tournament play. The Myanmar vs Bhutan series stands out as a primary driver of this activity, shaping the early statistical profile of the Gelephu International Cricket Ground.
Frequently asked questions
When was the first T20I played at Gelephu International Cricket Ground?
The first T20I match at Gelephu International Cricket Ground took place in 2024.
Which team uses Gelephu International Cricket Ground as a home venue?
The Bhutan men's national cricket team, nicknamed The Dragons, uses the ground as a home venue.
What is the ICC membership status of the Bhutan Cricket Council Board?
The Bhutan Cricket Council Board became an ICC affiliate member in 2001 and an associate member in 2017.
When did Bhutan make its international cricket debut?
Bhutan made its international debut in 2003 at the Emerging Nations Tournament organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
What ACC tournaments has Bhutan participated in?
Bhutan has regularly participated in ACC tournaments, including the World Cricket League Division Eight in 2010 and 2012.