The trophy and logo of the International Cricket Council's fifth Under-19 World Cup 2003, to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, were unveiled in spectacular fashion at the Winter Garden of the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Sterling silver trophy stands 17.25 inches tall and weighs approximately 2.5 kg while the logo represents the event values of youth and movement, denoting pace and energy.
The tournament will be contested by 16 teams from February 16 to March 5, 2004, with matches at eight different venues in Bangladesh.
This will be the second major ICC event in Bangladesh after the ICC Knockout in 1998.
Presiding over the launch, ICC president Ehsan Mani said, "It is a tremendous opportunity for Bangladesh. An opportunity to build enthusiasm for cricket throughout the country; to inspire youngsters; to show the world the warm hearts of the Bangladeshi people; and to acquire expertise for the benefit of future generations."
Md Fazlur Rahman, Hon. State Minister, Ministry of Youth and Sports welcomed the ICC's decision to host the tournament in Bangladesh while Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mohammad Ali Asghar MP gave an assurance that the country would be ready to host the world's best young cricketers next year.
The presentation was followed by performances from local dancers and singers and a procession of flags of the participating nations carried by members of the Bangladesh under-19 squad.
The first World Cup was held in Australia in 1988 and won by the hosts. After an initial gap of 10 years, the tournament has been a biennial fixture in the international cricket calendar since 1998.
