Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee are likely to be seen together enjoying India’s historic first-ever Day-Night Test match in Kolkata.
The two are among the high profile personalities invited by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to witness the historic moment at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on November 22.
However, there is no confirmation from Bangladesh that Hasina and Mamata would watch the match together, but a CAB official has hinted that they would be seen together in one of the President's box at BC Roy Club House in Kolkata.
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Bangladesh PM will be reportedly on a one-day visit to India and she will watch the match for some time after ringing the customary Eden Bell to start the proceedings at the Eden Gardens and then once again will join others at the closing time 8pm when the CAB will host a grand felicitation ceremony.
A four-member team led by Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner Toufique Hasan had visited the Eden Gardens on Tuesday to check the seating arrangements for the Prime Minister and her 80-odd delegates who will grace the historic occasion in India.
Hasan told PTI: “Prime Minister will arrive in the morning on the same day and will come to the Eden to ring the Bell just before the start at 1pm. She will leave to take rest after watching the match for some time and will return again at 8pm for the main felicitation programme. She will be seated in one of the central President Boxes near the Bell.”
He further added, “We are happy with the arrangements and looking forward to be part of the historic occasion. Eden is known as the Mecca of Cricket and for the first time both the countries will play a Day-Night match. Bangladesh people are really excited.”
Meanwhile, CAB Secretary Avishek Dalmiya said of the opening day’s plans: “Following the first day's play, the players who played the first Test between India and Bangladesh will be felicitated followed by speeches by the hon'ble dignitaries.”
It is being said that the CAB are planning to host chat show in the break, featuring the fab five – Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman in Kolkata.
There are also reports that the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission will do one more final security inspection about four days ahead of the second and final Test at Eden Gardens.
(With PTI Inputs)
