Bahrain to Grab Global Attention with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour

Manama: Cricket fans in Bahrain are set for a landmark sporting celebration as the DP World ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour arrives in the Kingdom this weekend, placing Bahrain firmly in the global cricket spotlight.

Organised by the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) in cooperation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), the three-day tour from Friday to Sunday will give fans a rare opportunity to see the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy up close. The visit forms part of the build-up to the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The highlight of the tour will be a Royal Sea Parade along the Manama seafront, where the trophy will be displayed aboard a traditional Bahraini dhow, accompanied by a fleet of yachts and boats, blending Bahrain’s maritime heritage with world-class sport.

A series of fan-engagement activities will take place at Water Garden City, The Avenues Bahrain, and Dana Mall, while the trophy will also be showcased at iconic landmarks across the island and selected schools. A prestigious gala night will be held, during which the trophy will be officially unveiled in the presence of senior officials.

BCF advisory board chairman Mohammad Mansoor said the event reflects the vision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa to promote Bahrain internationally through sport. He noted that hosting a high-profile global event of this scale would help showcase Bahrain’s culture, elevate cricket locally, and boost tourism.

BCF president Sami Ali highlighted the dual impact of the tour, saying it positions Bahrain on the world stage as a sports-promoting nation while also helping local communities better understand and engage with cricket. With an estimated 2.5 billion cricket followers worldwide, he said the tour would bring unprecedented international attention to the Kingdom.

The 2025 trophy tour follows the successful ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour in 2023, which attracted tens of thousands of fans across Bahrain. Officials credited that event with transforming perceptions of cricket locally and supporting the development of new sports infrastructure, including plans for a dedicated cricket stadium.

All residents and visitors are invited to take part in the celebrations, which are expected to generate excitement ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams competing over 29 days of high-intensity cricket.