Bangladesh proud to have hosted tournament (2 November 1998)

2 November 1998

Bangladesh proud to have hosted tournament

By Hasan Saeed

DHAKA, Nov 1: "One World, One Game" was the theme of the International Cup which ended with a glorious four wicket win for South Africa against West Indies at the floodlit Dhaka National Stadium today.

Replying to West Indies' modest 245 runs for all in 49.3 overs in a batting pitch, South Africa made 248 for 6 in 47 overs with skipper Hansie Cronje scoring not out 61 runs off 77 balls.

And after the successful conclusion of the mega spectacle of cricket, the biggest sports carnival in Bangladesh, for the host it is now a matter of "Relief, Satisfaction and Pride". A happy and smiling Saber Hossain Chowdhury, the president of Bangladesh Cricket Board, preferred the three words to express his and his colleagues' feelings about the "mini world cup".

"It's a great relief for us that the tournament ends with great success, not only in terms of hosting the mega event, but also for the cricket-loving nation's participation in everything of the carnival," he told newsmen.

"Being the host, we're satisfied... also feel pride that from every player to official of the nine test-playing participating teams to ICC officials and other cricket celebrities who witnessed the gala show of cricket praised not only us, the crowd also charmed them," the BCB president said.

The cricket-mad people in fact had given up everything other than watching the clash between willow and leather, either in the big-bowl of Bangabandhu National Stadium or on the television screen at their homes.

"We were lucky that we could host the biggest cricketing event after the world cup," said Abdul Hasib, a businessman. He added: "Its successful completion, I think, not only brings pride for us... It's also a little more than a mere tournament as for the first time we saw all the test playing nations together in Dhaka."

Young Rana Ahmed looked very happy as he said he watched all the matches, some of those buying tickets even in black market at high price. He was, however, a little sad seeing the packed stadium witnessing the final without a sub-continental team.

"Obviously, people here love to see matches of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The fans would have liked more to witness the final featuring at least one these three countries. "But they didn't miss the final between West Indies and South Africa. This proves the Bangladeshi people really love cricket," he said.

And finally they were joined by Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of International Cricket Council, the supreme body of world cricket and organiser of the tournament aimed at raising funds for globalising the game. Dalmiya expressed his satisfaction about everything with the mega event here despite the hardships after the devastating flood.

He appreciated the cooperation extended by the government.

"Bangldesh people are well known for their hospitality. The BCB and the people here once again proved it," the ICC chief said."

Source :: Dawn (http://dawn.com/)

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