T20 World Cup curtain-raiser today
FE Report | Sunday, 16 March 2014
The curtain goes up today (Sunday) on the 5th edition of the ICC T20 World Cup
with a match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city as Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the gala event with the Bangladesh Cricket Board's mega "Celebration Concert' amid thundering cheers from a packed crowd at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Thursday evening seeking cooperation of all in making the tournament a success.
The concert was organised to create enthusiasm among the cricket lovers showcasing a vibrant blend of dance, music and fireworks.
A total of 16 nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Ireland, Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies -- are taking part in the high-voltage cricketing extravaganza that Bangladesh hosts for the first time.
The Gazi Television (GTV) and Star Sports will telecast live all the matches of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014.
The 35-match men's and 27-match women's ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 is scheduled to take place in three cities.
Six qualifiers -- Afghanistan, Ireland, Hong Kong, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands -- will join Zimbabwe and hosts Bangladesh in a preliminary league of two groups from March 16 to 21.
Group A: Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Hong Kong.
Group B: Zimbabwe, Ireland, UAE, Netherlands.
The two groups' winners will enter the Super-10 round with the top eight Test nations -- Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies.