The formal countdown to the World Cup 2011 began at one minute after midnight past Wednesday, exactly 100 days before the opening match between Bangladesh and India.
The local organising committee marked the occasion with a colourful programme, including fireworks and light and sound, at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
The programme began with the welcome address by Dewan Shafiul Arefin, the convener of the local organising committee. The
Bangladesh Cricket Board president, AHM Mustafa Kamal, and deputy speaker of the parliament Shawkat Ali also gave speeches.
Sri Lanka Cricket general secretary Nishanta Ranatungua, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and Bangladesh cricket team captain Mashrafee bin Murtaza took the podium after their speeches amid cheers of hundreds of spectators.
The deputy speaker unveiled and switched on the countdown clock to formally begin the countdown. It followed a display of firework which illuminated the Dhaka sky at night.
The 45-minute programme ended with Ganguly and Mashrafee speaking to the people who defied many odds to watch the historic event.
‘Bangladesh killed India’s hope in the last World Cup. But I wish them every success in the upcoming event. They have improved a lot over the last four years and they showed it recently by winning 4–0 against New Zealand,’ Ganguly said.
Mashrafee added, ‘It will be really nice to play the World Cup in front of our home crowd. They always supported us and I hope they will continue it in the World Cup.’
