David Richardson says Bangladesh has set high standards for ICC centenary celebrations
ICC General Manager – Cricket and former South Africa wicketkeeper David Richardson has congratulated the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for celebrating its Catch the Spirit week during the triangular one-day series in Mirpur.
During the Bangladesh Catch the Spirit week, Mr Richardson watched the series opener between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, interacted with a range of ICC’s stakeholders including the Bangladesh Cricket Board and local media, and participated in the HIV/AIDS-awareness programme which was organised by UNICEF and was also attended by the Bangladesh Goodwill Ambassador Mohammed Ashraful and Sakib Al Hasan as well as Zimbabwe players Raymond Price and Vusimuzi Sibanda.
Mr Richardson also attended a special centenary youth game at the Bangladesh Sports Institute (BKSP).
Mr Richardson carried the Catch the Spirit flag which will fly to the ICC Members across the globe to promote the centenary and the spirit of cricket.
Reflecting on his participation in the Bangladesh Catch the Spirit week, Mr Richardson said: “The thing that impresses me most about Bangladesh is the level of enthusiasm for the game and they are never short of it. Every time I go there, I find the same passion and commitment which is pleasing.
“The BCB has made significant progress in setting up an infrastructure capable of supporting cricket played at the highest level.
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board organised some fantastic activities to celebrate 100 years of international cricket and were an excellent reflection of the passion for cricket in the country.
“As a Full Member of the ICC, Bangladesh is in the top 10 and has a responsibility to perform on and off the field in a fashion of a top 10 country.
“I think every series in 2009, no matter where it is played, will take on an increased significance because it’s the ICC centenary year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and global appeal of the game.
“Bangladesh’s Catch the Spirit week has set a great example for other members to follow,” he said.
BCB Director of Media and Communications, Mohammad Jalal Yunus, said: “The BCB is delighted to have played such an active role in commemorating the ICC centenary and celebrating the spirit of cricket.
“Cricket is something which unites the country and the Catch the Spirit activities this week have demonstrated our commitment and passion to this great game.”
About the ICC centenary year
ICC President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat officially launched the ICC centenary year in Sydney, Australia on 2 January by announcing the formation of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, in association with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA).
The ICC’s centenary year will be a global celebration with events taking place around the world to reflect all that is great about the game.
On the field these events include the ICC Women’s World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the ICC World Twenty20 event for men and women and the ICC Champions Trophy.
And off it there will be the opening of the ICC Global Cricket Academy and the inauguration of the ICC’s new headquarters, both of which are in Dubai, and an ICC cricket history conference at St Antony’s College, Oxford in the United Kingdom in July.
The ICC will also be celebrating the contribution of volunteers across the world through the award of 1,000 centenary medals and will announce new developments to its social responsibility partnership on HIV/AIDS.
During the course of 2009, each of the ICC’s 104 Members will be hosting activities inspired by the special spirit of cricket as part of the global Catch the Spirit centenary celebration.
To promote this theme and the launch of the ICC’s centenary year website, www.catchthespirit.com, stars of the international game have named their “Catch the Spirit” moments which best encapsulate the spirit of cricket.
Among those stars that can be seen on the website, Yuvraj Singh of India speaks of his experiences in Pakistan – India matches and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis reflects on his side’s famous chase of 438 to beat Australia in an ODI in Johannesburg.
During the course of the year fans will be able to upload their own “Catch the Spirit” moments onto the website, so supporters across the world can celebrate the spirit of cricket.
ICC MEDIA RELEASE