Dhaka: The countdown for the 2011 Cricket World Cup has begun officially with the unveiling of the trophy at a ceremony in the Bangabandhu Conference Centre in Dhaka. Bangladesh is hosting the tournament
jointly with India and Sri Lanka . Sharad Pawar , the chairman of the 2011 Cricket
World Cup Central Organising Committee, formally handed over the trophy to the
presidents of the relevant cricket boards: AHM Mustafa Kamal of Bangladesh; Shashank Manohar of India ; and Somachandra de Silva of Sri Lanka . International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat was also present at the ceremony. The tournament will begin on February 17, 2011 , with Bangladesh hosting the opening
ceremony. India will host 29 matches of the 14-nation tournament at eight venues;
Sri Lanka will host 12 matches at three venues; and Bangladesh will host eight
games at two places.
