ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy unveiled

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The Bangladesh segment of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2011 was officially launched Saturday evening with a colourful ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city, as the countdown to the extravaganza began, reports UNB.
International Cricket Council (ICC) Vice-President and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Sharad Pawar attended the function marking the official launch of the ICC World Cup.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, Tournament Director Ratnakar Shetty, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President AHM Mustafa Kamal MP and Central Organising Committee Convener Mahbubul Anam were present on the occasion, among others.
In the ceremony, the ICC vice president, also a senior Indian minister, and the ICC chief executive also unveiled the World Cup Trophy.
They later jointly handed the trophy on behalf of ICC to three boards' presidents - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president AHM Mostafa Kamal, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank V Manohar and Sri Lankan Cricket Board president De Silva.
During the hour-long function -- which portrayed the rural Bangladesh, spirit of the liberation war and cricket craze -- the highlights of the past World Cup matches and laser show were shown on a mega-screen.
Besides, Central Organising Committee Convener Mahbubul Anam and Local Organising Committee Convener Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul informed the audience about the preparations for the coming World Cup.
Players of three countries - Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka - taking part in the tri-nation tournament were also present at the function.
Bangladesh will host eight matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, including the opening match and two quarterfinals.
Bangladesh will play the World Cup opening match with former world champions India on February 19, 2011 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
A grand gala opening ceremony of the World Cup Cricket will also be staged in Dhaka on February 17, 2011.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be the chief guest at the inaugural function.