Team India’s gift goes to Bangladesh

Thakkar said, “The Indian team’s meek submission is a shame for the nation. We were proud of Team India and we told ourselves that they would at

least reach the semi-finals. I especially made this replica to boost their morale. This, inglorious exit has made us decide that we will cheer every run scored

by Bangladesh in the rest of the World Cup matches.”

He also said, “I sacrificed my professional work for 20 days to make this cup, and all that Team India bought for us was shame and dishonour.” He requested that products endorsed by members of the Indian cricket squad be banned from the markets.

Thakkar is in touch with two leading courier service agencies, one of them will carry the 12-feet-tall World Cup replica made of teakwood and designer plywood, weighing 150 kg and worth Rs 25,000, to Dhaka. Thakkar said his cousin Nirav Thakkar in Mumbai was in touch with the Bangla Cricket Board. “Though we are arranging everything, we need some help with the courier charges, which is expected to be around Rs 60-70,000,”said Thakkar.

He said two persons are likely to accompany the replica to Dhaka. “And, when the Bangladesh team returns, I wants a picture of the replica with the Bangladesh Cricket captain Habibul Bashar, which I shall dispatch to all the 15 members of Team India, just to tell them about our sentiments.”