In Bangla, Its festival of cricket
Dhaka, February 18: There is, perhaps, little distinction between South Africa 2010 and Bangladesh 2011. The only difference is the absence of vuvuzelas in the subcontinent. The ICC World Cup has become a sort of celebration of the game in this country, if not in the other two host nations. 'It is the pinnacle. We've not hosted a competition of bigger magnitude,' says Rabeed Imam, spokesperson, Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Since the opening ceremony on Thursday night, the streets of Dhaka are getting denser by the hour. The traffic movement has come to a standstill, with vehicles standing more than moving. There was a crowd of over 40,000 on the city's main thoroughfares all through the night. The party has just begun. 'I'm sure it will stay like this till the quarterfinals. I just hope we will make the grade,' says former Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar.
On Friday evening, the eve of the World Cup opener between the hosts and India, the streets here were buzzing, bursting and bustling with activity. The talk in the town is obviously cricket, and Saturday's game. Like in India, Shakib Al Hasan and his men are demigods. Tamim Iqbal, says Bashar, is revered like India regards Virender Sehwag. The city's walls are decorated with posters of the players and championship. 'The entire government machinery is behind the Bangladesh Cricket Board's effort to organise the tournament,' says Imam. No wonder, there haven't been any delays.
The hospitality industry, too, seems to be in for a windfall. All the hotels are booked for the entire World Cup period,' says Sahid, a manager with a city hotel. Parked outside the hotels are fire engines. 'Just in case,' says Rehman, the man in charge of the vehicle. The government here is gearing up for the big night on Saturday.
'Every measure is in placeto ensure smooth conduct of the match,' says Imam. Bashar, though, is not sure how the authorities will go about their jobs if there were to be an upset. 'I cannot imagine what can happen if we beat India tomorrow. I expect the streets to be packed all through the night,' says Bashar. 'It will be a big challenge but I rather face such a challenge than not,' chimes in Imam. The party has just started.
News Posted: 18 February, 2011
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