Dhaka to host cricket match between Asia, rest of world

A commemorative cricket match between Asia and rest of the world will be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city on April 8, reports BSS.

This was stated by the President of the International Cricket Conference (ICC) Jagmohan Dalmiya when he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office at the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday afternoon.

Dalmiya said United Nations is expected to be involved in the commemorative match and the UN flag will be hoisted on the occasion.

He said Dhaka will have the opportunity to host a match where international reputed cricketers of Asia and other countries of the world will take part. The daynight match is being organised by the ICC.

Dalmiya told the Prime Minister that the four-nation Asia Cup cricket tournament will be held in Dhaka between May-June this year. The teams include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The ICC chief said he has also requested the UNICEF to involve itself in the cricket with a slogan "children's right to play."

Dalmiya praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her keen interest in cricket and other games.

Assuring her government's all possible cooperation to make the commemorative match a great success, Sheikh Hasina thanked the ICC chief for deciding Dhaka as the venue of the match.

The ICC has decided to observe a 'cricket week' every year from now as part of its development programme and with the objective to globalise the game of cricket in the new Millennium.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Obaidul Quader and President of Bangladesh Cricket Board Saber Hossain Chowdhury and General Secretary Syed Ashraful Haque were present.