Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (L) receives the 2015 ICC World Cup trophy from BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon at the Gono Bhaban yesterday. The coveted silverware, which is making its rounds through all the participating nations of the mega event, was put on display at the Bashundhara City Complex yesterday for thousands of excited spectators. PHOTO: STAR

The 2015 ICC World Cup trophy made its mark in Dhaka yesterday as part of ICC's programme which entails that the trophy visits each of the 14 participating nations of the mega event due to take place in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29 next year.

The trophy's first stop in Bangladesh was at the home of cricket, the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, where it was received by national team's captain Mushfiqur Rahim.

“This is the first time I am getting to see this trophy from up close. It feels really good. It's really heavy and that's how it should be because it holds so much significance. Hopefully there will come a time when Bangladesh will win it.

“I have always dreamt of winning this trophy and I still do. Our generation of players will try our best to win it and even if we can't, hopefully the next group of players can do so. We still have a long way to go. But I want to see Bangladesh win it before I die,” said Mushfiqur.

From Mirpur, the trophy was taken to Gono Bhaban where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the trophy from Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan Papon. The trophy was then taken to the Bashundhara City Complex at Panthapath where it was placed at the ground floor from 12 pm to 8 pm for public display. 

Thousands of spectators queued up to take photos with the coveted trophy.  

“I know we are going through a bad time right now but hopefully things will change in the next six months and we can put up a good show in the World Cup,” said Ashfaque Chowdhury, a resident of Uttara who excitedly waited for his turn to take a photo with the silverware.

“I always wanted to be a cricketer when I was young but I could not make it. I might as well take a photo with it while I can and come as close to my dream as possible,” said a smiling Michael Gomez, an accountant who lives in Farmgate.

The level of excitement impressed ICC officials who were present during the trophy tour. The reception reportedly exceeded their expectations. “This is possible only in Bangladesh,” remarked an ICC official.

Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign on February 18 against Afghanistan and will play three group-stage matches in Australia and two in New Zealand.

Apart from Afghanistan, the Tigers will face Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Scotland in the group stages. 

Before the World Cup, Bangladesh will play two full-fledged series – away to West Indies in August and at home against Zimbabwe in October.