Lorgat believes subcontinent has ‘great expectation’ ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

DUBAI - International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat has revealed his excitement ahead of the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, and, says that plans for the tournament are on track.

“I have no doubt that people across the subcontinent probably can’t wait for the next 180 days to pass by quickly. There must be great expectation for this event. After all, it is nation v nation and it is the ultimate contest,” says Lorgat while speaking about the six-month countdown to the opening game between Bangladesh and India in Dhaka on 19 February.

“Tickets are in big, big demand and we certainly won’t be able to provide enough seating capacity for all the crowds that will want to come to those matches.

“The passion and the fervor of people in the sub continent does help keep us excited as well,” he says.

Lorgat believes that preparations for the tournament are progressing well ahead of the tournament which runs from February 19 to April 2 and will be hosted in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

“In all honesty, we are running quite well in terms of our preparations. There is always something that will challenge us, as that is the nature of making these mega events succeed, but so far so good.

“We have got a lot of good people in place and the preparations are going according to plan and apart from what would typically always be a challenge in putting these big events together, there is nothing major that troubles me today.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh star Shakib-Al-Hasan predicts that his team will do well in the tournament and is confident that the event will be greatly enjoyed by the people living in his country.

“All the boys are really positive about the World Cup because it will be held in Bangladesh and we are focusing on doing well,” he says.

“I think all the Bangladeshi people will have a very good time during the World Cup.”

Newly appointed West Indies coach Ottis Gibson also shares his excitement at his side playing in front of the cricket-crazy sub continent spectators. He says: “The one thing I am sure is there will be passionate crowds. I think most of the grounds will be full even when the host teams aren’t playing.

“The fans just love cricket and they will come out and support whoever is playing which will be good for the teams on the day.” (ANI)