Fans get their chance to take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
With exactly 365 days to go until the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, details of the official mascot and how fans can purchase tickets for world cricket's showcase event were revealed in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, tonight (Friday).
And cricket lovers around the world are set to play a significant role in the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 - the Cup that Counts.
Not only will fans from the three host nations - Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka - have an opportunity to purchase tickets online from 1 June but so will millions of cricket lovers from around the globe who want to be a part of the cricket's premier event.
At the same time, cricket fans will also have the opportunity to choose the name for the official ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 mascot which was unveiled at an event attended by many cricketing and entertainment celebrities in Colombo tonight.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, who attended the launch and the Central Organising Committee meeting which preceded it, said ?Cricket never forgets that the supporters are central to making any event a success and that was always considered in preparing for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
'We know that this is not only the Cup that Counts but that our cricket lovers across the globe also count - and it is only right that they play a significant role in this event whether it be buying tickets to savour the unique atmosphere or whether they will be among the billions who will watch the event on television or whether they vote for the name of the official mascot.
?Our Great Sport is fortunate to have such a great event. It has a remarkable history which has been fashioned by some remarkable teams and players. There is no doubt that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will add chapters to that glorious history and that is why I am sure there will be great demand for the tickets that go on sale.'
ICC Vice-President Sharad Pawar added: "We believe that the tickets are competitively priced allowing as many people as possible to attend this global celebration of cricket. We are determined that this will be an affordable and accessible event for everyone. I am certain that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will be an outstanding and well-attended tournament."
Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga said: "It was a great honour for the ticket announcement and mascot launch to be held here in Colombo. The excitement in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is already starting to build and I am sure that all Sri Lankans will see this as a great opportunity to showcase their country and demonstrate their love of cricket."
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will take place at 13 venues in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka and will open in Dhaka on 19 February with the final in Mumbai on 2 April, 2011.