ICC satisfied with Dhaka's preparations
January 10, 2010 00:00:00
Bangladesh's preparation to stage the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was met with full appreciation by the International Cricket Council (ICC), reports BSS.
"I'm very much satisfied, as Bangladesh has made a good progress in the last few months to stage the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011," ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat told reporters at a press conference at a city hotel this afternoon.
As one of the three co-hosts of the World Cup Bangladesh along with Sri Lanka and India are set to stage the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup in just thirteen months' time.
"ICC Vice President and Chairman of the CWC 2011 Central Organising Committee Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday and the honourable Prime Minister gave her consent to be present at the opening ceremony in Dhaka on Feb 17 next year, showing the support we have for the event at the highest level," Haroon Lorgat said.
Bangladesh will also host eight matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, including the opening match and two quarterfinals.
With Bangladesh preparing to host the biggest sporting event of its history, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, the ICC Chief Executive has urged the people to get behind the tournament when the time comes.
"During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Bangladesh along with two joint-hosts India and Sri Lanka will be the centre of the sporting world, and it'll be a huge boost for Bangladesh as a nation," Lorgat added.
He went on: "The passion the Bangladeshis have for cricket is second to none. So, I've every confidence that there'll be a special atmosphere. In fact, there's already a sense of excitement building with people talking about putting on a great show, benefiting such an important sporting occasion."
Replying to a query, the ICC Chief executive told the journalists, "We have seen and inspected all the World Cup venues here, including the Bangabandhu National Stadium. "It's all right," he said.
Replying to another question regarding accommodation of VIPs from all over the world, BCB President AHM Mustafa Kamal MP said, "We have made all the necessary preparations to accommodate our guests during the opening ceremony and also in the CWC match."