ICC World Twenty20 2014
Countdown starts amid concerns
The 100-day countdown to the ICC World Twenty20 began on Friday with local organisers worried that the current political instability could cost Bangladesh the right to host the tournament.
The beefed up security in and around the South Plaza Gate of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on the Manik Mia Avenue, where the countdown began in the presence of ICC and BCB officials and cricketers Sakib al Hasan, Mahmuduallah and Salma Khatun, clearly indicated the prevailing anxiety.
The security situation in Bangladesh has been called into question following a month of politically-motivated street violence across the country that has seen more than 50 people killed since late October.
The number of deaths increased significantly following the announcement of a general election schedule amid boycott threats by major opposition political parties.
‘The ICC can shift the event three weeks before the tournament,’ said one BCB official.
‘Thank God [the countdown function] has ended without any fuss, but we took drastic measures to increase security. Here at least 200 plainclothes men are positioned in different places, along with the uniformed security forces,’ he added.
BCB president Nazmul Hasan expressed his concern about the political situation.
‘Like everyone else, I am also concerned with the whole affair,’ said Nazmul.
‘But cricket has a different meaning to our people and I am sure they would love to help us in completing the event irrespective of their political identity.’
An inspection team, led by ICC events manager Chris Tetley, is currently in Bangladesh for a final round of visits to proposed venues for the World Twenty20, scheduled for March 16-April 6 next year.
Tetley said that he was surprised to learn that the tickets that had been made available for the World Twenty20 had sold out so quickly after the initial release.
‘The speed at which the tickets were sold was amazing, and certainly it was the fastest in any ICC event so far,’ said Tetley.
‘The next round of tickets will be sold from February 1.’
The countdown ceremony in Dhaka began with a musical performance by the band Shunno, who sang the famous folk song ‘Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi’.
The programme, which started at 10:00pm, also featured a display of fireworks at midnight.
Programmes were also held simultaneously at Circuit House Circle, MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong and the Keane Bridge on the Surma River in Sylhet.
Nasir Hossain and Sohag Gazi joined the celebration in Chittagong, while opening batman Anamul Haque was present in Sylhet.
-With New Age input
