Its’ finally here. Warm up matches have been completed and Bangladesh is all set to host the fifth ICC T20 World Cup.
The roads to Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium will be packed today, as Bangladesh take to the field in the opening match against Afghanistan.
Hundreds of millions of people around the world will be drawn to the country by television. We are confident that our enthusiastic cricket fans will give a good impression and the country will be a friendly host for the many overseas spectators travelling to see their teams.
Experience from previous occasions when Bangladesh has been a co-host for World Cup matches, guarantees that the stadiums will be busy. Tickets for all but four matches in this year’s expanded 18 team tournament, sold out in record time online.
With new and hungry cricket nations joining the jamboree, which has seen four different winners on four previous occasions, there is every potential for great competition.
The excitement generated by the tournament will be welcomed across the land. We earnestly hope the Tigers put on a good show and make a solid start to see themselves through to the Super-10 round featuring the top eight Test nations.
A strong tournament will of course also do no harm for Bangladesh’s case to host IPL matches and franchises. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There is a World Cup to be played.
We wish all the teams and spectators the best of luck. And hope the Tigers make Bangladesh proud.