An Asia Cup 2016 final ticket has been as rare as a golden deer. With the in-form Tigers taking on India today in the grand finale of the regional competition, almost every single fan wants to see their beloved cricket team in flesh. However, with the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium housing no more than 26,000 supporters, tens and thousands are expected to miss out.
Following the Tigers’ progression to the final, demand for tickets has reached a crescendo. Just a day before the marquee event, thousands of people gathered in front of the United Commercial Bank Ltd branch in Mirpur. Only a lucky few though could count themselves fortunate.
From the Bangladesh Cricket Board officials to the journalists covering the game, almost everyone were flooded with ticket requests. Even the cricketers were not spared in this regard.
When asked over his number of allocated tickets for the final, Bangladesh limited-over captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza said, “I got five tickets for the final.”
He continued, “I have seen many people gathering outside the bank from early morning. They were facing a lot of trouble for a ticket. It (ticket shortage) happens more when we play well.
“The supporters were and will continue to be the biggest strength of Bangladesh cricket. Without the supporters, we would have never been able to get the encouragement. Bangladesh cricket would have never reached this position without the contribution and sacrifice from our supporters. It is a great opportunity for us. If we can do something good, then everyone will be be happy.”