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Finally the International Cricket Council has agreed that no obstacle is there to hold the Asian Cricket Cup and the World T-20 Cricket Championship in Bangladesh as per schedule since the law and order situation has much improved by this time. It is expected that all the five countries who have qualified for the finals will take part in the 50 over tournament, beginning at Fatullah near Narayanganj on February 25 with the match between defending Champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Hosts Bangladesh meet hot favourites India the next day in their first match at the same venue, while emerging power Afghanistan clash with Pakistan a day after at Fatullah.
There is no doubt that the tournament will produce some amazing results, but all eyes are on Afghanistan. The Afghans are laborious and physically strong. The cricket fans of Bangladesh will be able to see them in the World T-20 Championship also. About the prospect of the hosts, we like to say that the officials and the players must stop the practice of disdaining and discoursing. They must keep their eyes more on the pitch than on the press and the galleries. They should play the game with concentration.
A player must have three qualities. These are physical fitness, concentration of mind and conviction. Had our players possesses these qualities, it was possible for us to beat Pakistan in the final two years ago. So, will our officials and cricketers take lesson?
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
