A massive roadshow, a rally at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and photo-ops at the BIC’s Sakhir Tower are just some of the grand events arranged by the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) for fans next week when the 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup trophy arrives in the kingdom as part of its global tour.
The glittering trophy is currently on a journey around the world that started in India – which will host the World Cup from October 5 – in late June and which will take it to 18 countries on five continents. It is scheduled to be on display in Bahrain on August 12 and 13.
BCF advisory board chairman Mohammed Mansoor announced at a Press conference yesterday that several exciting events arranged by the board will allow cricket fans in Bahrain to see the trophy up close.
“We will have a massive roadshow with the trophy on August 12, which will start from Juffair, pass through Bab Al Bahrain and Bahrain Bay and go all the way to the BIC,” Mansoor declared, with KHK Sports CEO Mohammed Shahid and BCF advisory board member and Capital Governorate director of information Yusuf Lori sitting next to him.
“Then, in the evening, the trophy will be taken on a lap around the BIC and cricket fans will get the chance to get their pictures taken with it against the backdrop of the iconic Sakhir Tower,” he added.
On the morning of August 13, Mansoor continued, the trophy will be photographed at some of Bahrain’s most historic monuments and landmarks.
“The trophy will be pictured at the Tree of Life, the Bahrain Fort and the World Trade Centre in Bahrain Bay, as well as at other iconic locations,” he said.
Later that day, the trophy will be displayed at Dana Mall with many activities for fans sure to add to the excitement, Mansoor explained.
He paid rich tributes to Shahid, whom he thanked for supporting the BCF as it endeavoured to try and grow the game in the kingdom and expressed his deepest gratitude to Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his vision and constant encouragement.
Shahid, who is also the Brave CF CEO, said he was “super-excited” to learn that the World Cup trophy was making a stop-over in Bahrain.
“There is just one way to describe how I feel about the trophy coming to the kingdom,” he said. “I am super-excited, as, doubtless, everyone is.
“This is all thanks to Shaikh Khalid for his undying support and vision and kudos to Mansoor for putting this entire event together.
“Bahrain has become the leader of sports in the region. From football to handball and combat sports, the kingdom has become a sporting hub. We have created the infrastructure for all kinds of sports and created a global eco-system by hosting events internationally and here in Bahrain.
“This is now a chance for cricket to achieve something special in the kingdom. It seemed unbelievable at first to learn that the cricket World Cup trophy is coming here but – and this is the special thing about our country – Bahrain will make us believe!
“That is why, to have the World Cup trophy come to the kingdom is a reason for us to celebrate. This is global recognition for what Bahrain has achieved in sports and the next five years will see us achieve even bigger things.”
Lori, who described how he had gone from initially not knowing anything about cricket to having become a big fan of the sport, said the trophy’s being in Bahrain would help promote the kingdom on the international stage.
“This is a landmark international event, one which we will be very happy to celebrate,” he said. “This will go a long way towards promoting Bahrain.
“Having the trophy in the kingdom will put Bahrain on the international map and it will serve as an inspiration for all, especially our future generations.”
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