DHAKA, March 17, 2021 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is
optimistic to organize T20 matches between World XI and Asia XI as the birth
centenary celebrations of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman was extended till December this year.
As part of the celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, two T20
matches between World XI and Asia XI were scheduled to be played at the Sher-
e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 21 and 23 last year. And
for this purpose, the list of players was almost finalized by the BCB with
some renowned current cricketing starts giving their consent to play the
matches. But the outbreak of Covid-19, the deadly virus that left the whole
world stranded last year, the BCB forced to put the matches on hold.
As the global transmission rate of the virus has not yet reached a
satisfactory level and not even in Bangladesh, the BCB didn’t take any
attempt to organize those matches.
Although the infection decreased a bit a couple of months ago, it has
recently increased again. However, Nazmul Hasan Papon, president of the BCB,
is not giving up.
He said BCB is ready to host two matches as soon as the infection subsides
since the birth centenary celebrations have been extended to December this
year.
He made the remarks while addressing a function to distribute food among
the vulnerable people on the 101st birthday of the Father of the Nation at
the Home of Cricket Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.
“As the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation was
extended to December, we see a glimpse of hope that it can be done again,”
Papon said.
“But we also have to keep in mind that the Covid-19 situation is still not
under control. Therefore, we have to keep an eye on it, no matter which way
it goes. But of course we want to organize these matches as soon as
possible.”