British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert W Gibson said on Sunday cricket is not just a sport in Bangladesh rather it is a passion, and hoped that it would strengthen bonding among nations further.
He made the remarks at a reception welcoming the England Disability cricket team to his residence in the city.
The team arrived here on Friday to participate in the first international Physical Disability cricket tournament, which will start on September.
Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Christine Cipolla and England Cricket Board’s Head of Disability Ian Martin also spoke at the reception.
The opening match between Bangladesh vs England will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on September 2 and the remaining T20 matches and the closing ceremony will be held at the BKSP. The games are open for all.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the inaugural ceremony on Wednesday. The participating countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India and Pakistan.
Wishing all the teams the best of luck for the tournament, Gibson said, “People with disabilities face challenges every day, but through sport one can collectively address and overcome obstacles and show the world that disability is not a barrier to achieving dreams.”
The teams competing over the next two weeks will be like any other — passionate, committed and determined to win, he said.
“This cricket tournament is another big step towards…I hope, Bangladeshi Paralympics athletes competing on the world stage in Rio 2016,” the British diplomat added.
He mentioned that he is delighted to have the England Disability cricket team in Dhaka, their first official visit to Bangladesh.
HT Imam said cricket is a meeting place to know each other and wished all the success for the participating teams. “My heart and mind will always remain with you.”
The Adviser said the England cricket team seemed to be a very well spirited team and wished to have the same from Bangladesh team.
Christine Cipolla said their dream is taking shape and they would see players are playing in the field. “I’m proud of this. It’s unique. It’s historic.”
She thanked the Prime Minister’s Office here, Bangladesh Cricket Board, BKSP, and Concerned Ministries.
The ICRC Head said they want to see more teams in 2016 including Australia. “It’s not limited for five nations.”
She also said she would support Bangladesh as she lives here but wished all the best for all participating teams. Ian Martin thanked everyone involved for their commitment, drive and vision to this initiative which will serve everyone involved in disability cricket for the future growth of our sport.
“Bangladesh is rightly renowned as a cricketing hotbed and there is huge potential for growth in disability cricket in the country. We’re fully supportive of the BCB and ICRC’s plans and we trust their initiative will encourage more cricket-loving nations to develop their own disability cricket programmes and national squads,” he said.
During their visit to Bangladesh, the English cricket team are being hosted by the Ministry of Youth & Sports of Bangladesh government and supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross International (ICRC), who also organised the tournament.
The team is also scheduled to visit the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Savar, which receives funding from UK aid.
