ICC President congratulates Bangladesh for hosting world class event

After handing over the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup winners trophy to Pakistan, ICC President Ehsan Mani congratulated Bangladesh for successfully hosting a world class cricket tournament.

"This has been the most spectacular ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup the world has ever seen," said Mr Mani.

"I offer sincere thanks to the Prime Minister and Government of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their commitment and superb support for this tournament.

"The BCB has been outstanding in the way this event has been run. Their unstinting commitment and close co-operation with the ICC has been a key to the success of the tournament.

"I also thank the people of this cricket-loving nation who have been fantastic in the support they have given to the young players."

The fifth ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup has been the best attended event in the tournament's history. The 54 matches played at eight venues were watched by over 250,000 fans. Nine matches were also broadcast live to television audiences around the world.

Over 20,000 tickets were sold for the Opening Ceremony at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on 15 February and over 30,000 saw Pakistan beat the West Indies in the final at the same venue.

Sell-out crowds also witnessed international cricket for the first time at new stadiums in Bogra, Fatullah, Khulna and Rajshahi.

"The tournament will leave a strong legacy of international-standard facilities across the country," added Mr Mani.

"It has taken international cricket to new towns for the first time and has sparked nationwide interest in the sport which will help accelerate the development of the game throughout Bangladesh."

All of the five new venues will be maintained as cricket-only stadiums. The next phase of the development of these venues will be the construction of indoor practice facilities.

For Further Information:

Jon Long
ICC Event Media Manager
In Bangladesh: 01750 17668
International: +44 (0) 7946 545 090
Email: jon.long@icc-cricket.com