"Matter of great honour," says Sourav Ganguly on hosting T20 WC 2021 in India

Dubai:BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday said that it's a great honour for India to host the T20 World Cup in 2021 and he is looking forward to play his part as an administrator in helping put things together. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday began the countdown for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 which is scheduled to be held in India in October-November. 

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney were present at the launch ceremony in Dubai. 

''It is a matter of great honour for us to be hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. India has successfully staged several global events since the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1987 and I am sure cricketers from around the world would be excited at the prospect of playing in our cricket-loving country,'' said Ganguly in an ICC statement. 

''I have enjoyed being part of ICC events as a player and know from experience that nothing beats the buzzing atmosphere of a global cricket event with millions around the world watching every game. I now look forward to playing my part as an administrator as we prepare to host the prestigious event,'' he added.

The seventh edition of the Men's T20 World Cup comes five years after the event was held in India. 

Speak at the launch of the countdown, ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: "With Diwali just two days away and with the countdown to the tournament in India underway, this is an opportune moment to unveil our brand identity that so wonderfully reflects the vibrant festival of lights.

''We are working very closely with the BCCI to deliver a stellar tournament bringing the world's best players together to go head to head in the first global cricket event since the advent of the pandemic. Our focus will be on staging a safe and secure event that fans from across the world can enjoy,'' he added. 

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said the cricket board will take all the efforts need to deliver a safe and successful tournament in 2021.

"The BCCI will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the health and safety of everyone concerned in this showpiece event is taken care of. While we are determined to provide a rich cricket-viewing experience, I would also like to assure the ICC and Member Boards that India is known for its warm hospitality and we will make you feel at home," Jay Shah said.

"In these times of pandemic when there are severe restrictions, the BCCI believes in the policy of innovating and adapting, and I am confident that we will overcome every challenge," he added. 

The teams participating in the tournament scheduled for October-November next year are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.(UNI)