Extra tickets printed for new cricket venue

Event organisers at the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup Bangladesh 2004 have had to print extra tickets for the group matches in the outlying town of Bogra as the initial 28,000 tickets have all sold out.

The game between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the Bogra District Stadium on 15 February will be the first ever international cricket match held in the town and already 10,000 tickets have been snapped up.

All 9,000 tickets printed for Zimbabwe's matches against Australia on 18 February and Canada on 19 February have also been bought by members of the public.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed commended the organisers for their efforts.

"I have been very impressed with the enthusiasm that cricket fans in Bogra have shown for these matches," said Mr Speed.

"I hope that the feats of these international players will inspire local youngsters to try and follow in their footsteps."

The Bogra District Stadium has been constructed in the last year as part of an ambitious Government-run project that will leave a strong cricket legacy throughout the country.

The 17,000 capacity stadium is a three-hour drive from the capital Dhaka and will be inaugurated by the Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on 7 February.

It is one of two stadiums that will be used for Group A matches along with the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium which has also been significantly upgraded for the tournament.

New playing and practice facilities have also been built in the towns of Chittagong, Fatullah and Khulna.

ICC President Ehsan Mani added his support for the development work that has taken place over recent months.

"The Bangladesh Government has shown tremendous commitment to the development of the sport that in the short term will serve the participants in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup very well.

"In the longer term these facilities will enable the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers to practice and improve."

The Opening Ceremony of the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup Bangladesh 2004 is on Tuesday 10 February in Dhaka with matches running from 15 February to 5 March.

ICC U/19 CWC Media Contacts:

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

Zaidan Rabbi
BCB Media Committee Secretary
Mobile: 0171 836660