"The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo may be hosting a one-day international series at the moment, but the real show begins in less than two weeks. The venue has been dressed with branding for the upcoming men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India: a banner hangs out the front, an image of the trophy accompanied by a simple tagline: Feel the thrill."
"Spotted in the stadium during Sri Lanka's second ODI against England on Saturday was a poster reading: We will repeat 2014, a nod to their tournament victory 12 years ago, a crowning moment for the departing Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. With Italy among the 20 teams competing, the upcoming showpiece looks like a genuinely global event unlike the more exclusive 50-over version. Scotland get late T20 World Cup call up to replace Bangladesh Of course, the reality is far from joyous."
"The weekend brought confirmation of a change to the final lineup, with the International Cricket Council announcing the absence of Bangladesh after the country's cricket board ruled out travelling to India. Scotland will feature instead, late beneficiaries as the swirling force of subcontinental politics meets a governing body lacking in credibility. The episode began when the Bangladesh quick Mustafizur Rahman was discarded by Kolkata Knight Riders at the start of the month,"
R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is decorated for the men's T20 World Cup with banners and a trophy image bearing the tagline 'Feel the thrill.' A stadium poster evoked Sri Lanka's 2014 triumph and celebrated departing players Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Italy's participation brings 20-team global reach to the tournament, while political tensions have disrupted proceedings. Bangladesh withdrew after its cricket board ruled out travelling to India, prompting Scotland's late inclusion. The episode followed the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from an IPL squad and unrest after the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, with protests reported across the border where Sheikh Hasina resides in exile.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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