2011 ICC World Cup
Opening ceremony at BNS?
The 'Home of Cricket' might be denied a chance to host the opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup with the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) emerging as the front-runner ahead of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium for the showpiece event of cricket's biggest bonanza.
The campaign for the BNS was quite evident when Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB's) senior vice-president Mahbubul Anam on Thursday recapped the ICC decision in Delhi where it was confirmed that the opening ceremony will take place in Dhaka and it would be a fight between three venues --the BNS, the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and the Osmani Stadium in Fatullah -- for the bragging right.
"The opening ceremony does not have any relation with the opening match of the event, and they can be held at different venues," said Mahbub.
"We will want the ceremony to be staged at the BNS (relinquished to football in 2005) as it is the birthplace of Bangladesh cricket."
However as to where the first match will be held, Mahbub stated that Mirpur seems the more viable option. "We want stadiums which have been specifically built for cricket to host cricket matches," he said.
Having just returned from the ICC World Cup 2011 organisers meeting in Delhi, the BCB official revealed that India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have all nominated their venues for the event, with only Bangladesh lagging behind, as their submissions are still subject to government approval.
"The sports minister has said that he will inspect all three venues. Ultimately it's up to the government which venue will be used," he said.
However the bearded organiser when asked was in no illusions as to where he would prefer the opening ceremony to be held.
"BNS is my favourite venue. It is the very fabric of Bangladesh cricket and former players, including me, have a corner in our hearts for the BNS.
"We have suggested that the BNS should hold the opening ceremony, and Mirpur should have the opening match because a ceremony might adversely affect the wicket."
With the event format finalised, Bangladesh is confirmed to host five matches including one quarterfinal.
But with just 24 months remaining before the World Cup rolls around, Mahbub admitted that preparations needed to be accelerated.
"We are lagging behind but we want to do everything professionally. An organizing committee will be formed within the next eight weeks."
BCB grounds committee chairman Shafiqur Rahman was also present at the press conference and he stated that a budget meeting with the sports minister is imminent.
"We have discussed with the minister, that if our budget is passed soon, we can start working immediately. In addition we have asked the ICC for funds and they said that they will look into the matter."
There remains a lot of work to do, and he accepted the task at hand.
"For Mirpur, we have to install floodlights, a giant screen/electronic scoreboard, introduce gallery chairs and make an extension to the corporate box."
Rahman also confirmed that the Bangabandhu National Stadium has been provided as an alternate venue to the ICC alongside the National Osmani Stadium, better known as Fatullah.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Ahad Ali Sarkar visited the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in Mirpur yesterday and confirmed that he will tour the three venues which are being considered, along with Shafiqur Rahman. However, he too seemed keen on the BNS stating that he would do his best to ensure the opening ceremony is held at the country's all-purpose venue.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is set to kick-off at Dhaka on February 18, 2011 with the opening match scheduled for the following day.
The showcase event will be participated by 14 teams, with the ten Test playing nations joined by four qualifiers. The event will have a total of 49 matches with India hosting 21, Pakistan 14, Sri Lanka nine and Bangladesh five.
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