The Cup that matters

With the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament at the door, cricketing fever is rising by the degrees. While cricket fans have their eyes set on the Bangladesh squad's ability to put up a valiant display, they have their eyes on other teams and players also. Our celebrities of the country are not immune from the general excitement. This is what they had to say:

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, director
Bangladesh's chances: Purely from a cricketing point of view, we may not have the best team in the world, but our team has shown that they belong at the highest level. And a World Cup is not just a test of skills; when you put on that jersey and walk out, it is also about your patriotism and passion driving you, and that can push us towards great results. 

Other favourites: Apart from Bangladesh, I don't support any side. But I think Australia, New Zealand and England will be the strongest teams in this tournament. 

Players under radar: All the eleven boys in red and green. Of course all eyes will be on Shakib, but I have expectations from all the members in the squad.

Hasan Masood, actor
Bangladesh's chances: The group that Bangladesh is in, it will be a tough ask for them to progress to the quarterfinal. They have to defeat both the 'smaller' teams Afghanistan and Scotland, and then target one of the bigger teams. They will be exceeding expectations if they can break into the knockouts. 

Other favourites: Australia and Sri Lanka. Both the teams have a lot of depth in their batting, and are very balanced. 

Players under radar: I will badly miss Kevin Pieterson (England) at this World Cup, as well as Keiron Pollard and Dwayne bravo (West Indies). Apart from them, Steven Smith (Australia) is the man to watch out for. The more I see him, the more I am impressed. New Zealand's Luke Ronchi is another favourite of mine.

Maria Nur, TV host, model and actress
Bangladesh's chances: We always have high expectations from Bangladesh. And although conditions are not the most favourable, I will expect them to play some brilliant games, and make it into the quarterfinal stage.

Other favourites: Sri Lanka. I have always been a fan of their cricket. Plus, they have consistently done well in major international limited-over tournaments, and I think they will be a strong force this time too.

Players under radar: Shakib Al Hasan, without a doubt. I'm expecting spectacular things from him.