From Dhaka to Disneyland! (2 November 1998)

2 November 1998

From Dhaka to Disneyland!

Hasan Masood

The International Cricket Council chief executive David Richards praised Bangladesh highly for successfully hosting the Wills International Cup. Mr. Richards, seemingly the happiest man on the completion of the nine-day knock-out tournament, was talking last night to The Daily Star after the Final, which the South Africans won by four-wickets.

"I would like to say, 'well done Bangladesh'. It's an outstanding effort. Congratulations to the crowd and I thank them for the support they have given cricket. I would also like to thank all the organisers here who have put their voluntary work to make the tournament a success. The quality of the ground was top class standard. They couldn't have done any better," said a happy Mr. Richards, who played a big role in brining the nine-nation meet to Dhaka against all the odds.

Mr. Richards also revealed that the ICC is actively considering to make the knock-out tournament a biennial event and the next tournament in Year 2000 is likely to be held at Disneyland, USA.

"We have not yet taken any final decision. This will be done in the next ICC executive board meeting, which will be held on January 10 to 11," said Richards.

About Disneyland in 2000, he said that the matter "is still under negotiation".

He added that there were "six major hurdles to clear before we get into that business". He did not elaborate on the hurdles.

About the bribery scandal now making news in Pakistan, Mr. Richards said that the ICC would not interfere into the matter as the Pakistan judicial system was looking into that.

"We have full respect for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and I hope they will do the necessary judgement. What happens there will be discussed in our next board meeting. We have also asked the PCB to submit a report on this during the meeting in January."

When asked about Bangladesh cricket, Richards said, "You should immediately start playing three or four-day cricket and I'm sure if you can do that, you will be in the world map of cricket."

Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)