Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be in attendance when the country hosts the 2011 cricket World Cup's opening ceremony at the Bangabandhu Stadium.

Dhaka will stage the ceremony in 13 months time on February 17.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present at the opening ceremony, showing the support we have for the event at the highest level," said Haroon Lorgat.

Bangladesh is one of three joint-hosts for the World Cup.

ICC Chief Executive said being a part of the mega-event will be a huge boost for the game in Bangladesh.

"The opening ceremony will be in Dhaka and on that day we can expect close to a billion people to be tuning in from more than 200 territories around the globe."

"It is great that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has committed to attend the opening ceremony, indicating support at the very highest level," he said.

Speaking about the Delhi pitch fiasco, Lorgat said it was too early to speculate on the matter.

"It is premature to speculate on the matter as there is a process in place. The BCCI has sent their response and the ICC is examining it. Now that will go to two people Sri Lankan Ranjan Madagulle (ICC Chief Match Referee) and David Richardson (ICC Cricket General Manager) before a final decision is taken."

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar said the sub-continent will host a successful World Cup, even from the security point of view.