Bangladesh national team players enjoyed some moments with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy as it was on display at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in Mirpur today on the second day of its tour to Bangladesh. 

Senior campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim was the one to carry the World Cup trophy into the stadium before all the Bangladesh men's team players present at the venue took pictures with it. Apart from Mushfiqur, players like Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, among many others were present.

Bangladesh players pose for a photo with the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"We played in the 1999 World Cup [for the first time], and truth be told, I got very excited watching the trophy [today]. Feels like the World Cup started today. In 2019, we were in a good position and went there [to England for the ODI World Cup] with a good side. This time we are in an even better position and the team is in very good form and performing well for the last two years. I am hoping that we would be able to do something special in the World Cup," Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selector and former Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar, who was present during the trophy's tour to SBNS, said.  

The trophy was then brought to the media center at the SBNS with media personnel and the Bangladesh women's team players taking pictures with it. After that, the trophy was taken to the president's box for the members of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).  

Bangladesh women cricket team players pose for a picture with the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy in Mirpur. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"Feeling great to come with the whole team here. I feel that it has motivated them. Even I haven't watched the World Cup trophy from up close before so thanks to the BCB and the women's wing for giving us the opportunity," Bangladesh women's team captain Nigar Sultana Joty said. 

Joty also talked about the high expectations of the fans of Bangladesh regarding the upcoming World Cup.

"Expectation from Bangladesh is very high as a player and the populace has big expectations. From that perspective, I feel we have our best side with seniors and younger players carrying form. We also play well in this format. So of course we expect the best from them," Joty added.

The trophy that had arrived in Dhaka on Sunday night was on display at the home of cricket in Mirpur for the members of the men's and women's national team, current and former cricketers, cricket officials and organisers, and members of the media.

The third and final day of the trophy tour will allow the general people to witness the trophy from up close as the public display of the trophy is scheduled on August 9 from 11:00am to 8:00pm at Bashundhra City Shopping Mall in Dhaka.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The ICC World Cup trophy tour was launched on June 27, 2023 in India to mark the 100 days to go milestone ahead of the event. Over the course of 100 days that follow, the trophy will take in 18 ICC member countries spanning over five regions-Africa, Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe.

Young members of BKSP pose with the World Cup trophy. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The trophy will then arrive back in India for the final 30 days of the tour where it will continue to be showcased around the country to promote the upcoming event.