T is for... Trip Report – ICC World Cup Twenty-20

Once upon a time we were normal people living a normal life. Something changed in 2013 and we became those people who win prizes. Being called lucky when I win in a writing contest still annoys me, but then I try to resist the urge to explain. Anyway, I digress.

So, one day the Boy called me to tell that we had won a trip for two to Dhaka to see the Twenty-20 World Cup final. India was still not a part of it. Of all the places in the world, this year the venue had to be Dhaka. But I had to NOT behave like an ungrateful soul and so we said yes.

The journey from Bahrain to Dhaka was not an easy one. Since we had to fly Emirates, there was a layover in Dubai. If you know Emirates airport in Dubai, you will know it is not for weak people like me. Both times our flight reached just in time for boarding the connecting flight and we had to run across the airport without any help from ground staff. I vowed never to take Emirates again (except if we win the trip as a prize!).

Everyone from the Immigration Officer to the Hotel staff was amused by our arrival in Dhaka. We were a group of 8 ‘lucky’ winners who didn’t mention that we had actually won this trip. So they thought us to be rich travellers who would come from the Middle East just to see a match. The whole city was decorated for the world cup. We were amicably welcomed to say the least.

Dhaka is a crowded city; much worse than any in India. It doesn’t have many places of interest and so we decided to just enjoy the hotel for the short 48-hours that we had and relish the match. The hotel was a lifetime experience. The only other occupants during our stay were the Indian cricket team and the members of the Star Sports team. We lurked around the hotel just to get a glimpse of our favourites. We sat in the breakfast area for hours just to be there when they came. Believe me when I say that I’m not a person who goes crazy about big stars. But this was so much fun that I let myself be star struck for once!

So we saw everyone – From Dhoni to Yuvraj to Jadeja to Raina to Rahane to Wasim Akram to Harsha Bhogle to Ganguly to Sidhu. We saw them at breakfast. We saw them at the gym. We saw them when they came back from the match. We saw them at breakfast when they were blue the next day. We saw them leave for India. We were not allowed to click pictures because the security was very tight. But I am ok. I like memories more than pictures.

Coming to the match that we unfortunately lost - it was one of the best experiences of my life. We sat amongst the local crowd who were supporting the opposite team. So, when they said ‘Go, Lanka, Go’ we responded ‘Home’. In the end they took their revenge by booing India at the top of their voices. It was a fun tug-o-war and we loved each moment of it. We clapped, we jumped, and we cursed, and in the end left with an experience that would perhaps be etched in our minds for life.

We were lucky indeed to go and be a part of this grand event. We were luckier to have India as a finalist.  I’ve told the Boy not to expect any more prizes since this is all one can expect in a lifetime. I’m grateful to be blessed in so many ways, really, I am.

That's Yuvraj behind me. Uncle could not resist taking a picture :)

Outside our hotel Lobby

Shopping at the hotel shop for the Big Match

Indian team warming up before the match

When the match almost got cancelled

Us :)

And did I tell you we came on TV for 1 'whole' second!
I told you all to look for us.
This is a shot from the recording :)