The 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup trophy will arrive in Bahrain tomorrow as part of its global tour.
The glittering trophy, currently on a journey around the world that started in India – the host of the World Cup, which starts on October 5 – in late June and will arrive in the kingdom after a two-day stop in Kuwait.
It will be unveiled – in a spectacular ceremony at the Gulf Convention Centre where Imran Khwaja, the ICC deputy chairman, will also be present – by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“This will be a great opportunity for cricket fans in Bahrain to see the World Cup trophy up close,” Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) advisory board chairman Mohammed Mansoor told the GDN.
“And, apart from providing cricketers and cricket lovers in Bahrain the chance to see and be photographed with the trophy, this occasion will be massive for the kingdom.
“The World Cup has a viewership of more than a billion people, all of whom are eagerly following the trophy’s journey around the globe. Its presence in Bahrain will put the country firmly on the cricketing map because of the kind of exposure it will generate.”
By the time it arrives back in India before the start of the tournament, the trophy will have visited 18 countries on five continents after beginning its journey in spectacular style by being launched 120,000 feet into the stratosphere on a bespoke stratospheric balloon before landing at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, which will host the World Cup final, amongst other matches.
The BCF has arranged a series of events designed to allow cricket fans in the kingdom to both witness the trophy up close and participate in activities that will add to the occasion.
Amongst them are a massive roadshow, a rally at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and photo opportunities with the trophy at the BIC’s Sakhir Tower tomorrow.
And, on Sunday, the trophy will be photographed at some of Bahrain’s historic landmarks and monuments, including the Tree of Life, Bahrain Fort and World Trade Centre.
Later, the trophy will be put on display at Dana Mall which will also be the stage for various fan activities.
“We, at the BCF, are extremely grateful to the ICC for granting Bahrain a slot on the trophy’s world tour,” Mansoor added.
“And we are also very thankful to Mr Khwaja for travelling to the kingdom to take part in the unveiling ceremony and other planned events.
“Most of all, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Shaikh Khalid.”