With the World Cup 2011 tickets for the matches in Bangladesh going on sale across the country today the World Cup captains have hailed the passion of the local fans and the unique atmosphere for playing cricket in this part of the world.
Bangladesh skipper Sakib al Hasan said the home fans are an integral part of the Tigers and always a source of inspiration.
‘Our supporters are literally the 12th man on the field. They are our driving force. So many times we have managed to lift our game just by drawing motivation from their unconditional backing,’ a BCB media release quoted Sakib as saying.
‘I am sure that in the World Cup we will feel the same warmth and blessings of the home crowd, no matter where they are watching the game from. I have absolutely no doubt that the stands of the Dhaka and Chittagong stadiums would be packed by our loyal supporters and their every roar would touch us.’
South African captain Graeme Smith, who has experienced the Bangladesh spirit first hand on many occasions, is looking forward to the match against the much improved hosts on March 19 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium at Mirpur.
‘Bangladesh is somewhere that I have always enjoyed visiting as the people are so passionate about their cricket which makes it a fantastic place to play. I can only imagine what the atmosphere will be like in Dhaka when we play against Bangladesh there and I am sure fans will be rushing to get their tickets for the game as soon as they go on sale,’ Smith was quoted as saying.
‘You saw during the summer how the people of South Africa made the FIFA World Cup such a memorable occasion and I am sure that the fans in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka will be creating a brilliant atmosphere. As a player you always remember and appreciate the matches where you play in front of full houses and I think that is what is going to make the ICC Cricket World Cup next year so special for all of the competing teams.
‘I seem to enjoy batting on the wickets in Bangladesh and I have happy memories of my century in Chittagong a couple of years ago and I think I have got a couple of half centuries in Dhaka as well. I just hope that form will continue at the World Cup.
‘The recent Bangladesh-New Zealand series showed what a tough proposition facing Bangladesh on home soil will be and we know that we will have to be at the top of our game to beat them in what could be a crucial group match for both teams. They have some world class players and I think they could do well at the event.’
Meanwhile, William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, was excited at the prospect of renewing an interesting rivalry.
‘I am looking forward to returning to play in Bangladesh. The atmosphere there is going to be great and the fact that it is a World Cup game will only add to that. It will be a massive challenge for us playing them in Dhaka (on February 25) but it is one that we are very much looking forward to.
‘We have beaten them on a few occasions now and we have played some good cricket over the past season so we will take that confidence to the subcontinent.’
The ticket sale will be launched simultaneously from 80 branches of City Bank and Agrani Bank in 64 districts.
