The CJKS officials are definitely upbeat having been promised adequate funds from the sponsors for the Test and the first one-day international on November 7. The last time the port city staged a Test match seven months ago it was not a very successful one as far as the financial rewards were concerned.

But with the Tigers' recent signs of improvement the CJKS is expecting a bonanza. They are also expecting a good response from the local cricket fans. Besides, at least 70 members of the Barmy Army will add further colour by their presence.

AZM Nasir, chairman of the marketing committee, has reportedly been assured of Tk.27 lakh from different sponsors.

It was learnt that the CJKS is expecting to make a profit of Tk 30 lakh after meeting all expenses.

As funds are not a problem, the CJKS has gone into overdrive to smarten up the 82nd Test venue.

Preparations are almost complete except for a few finishing touches.

The CJKS has refurbished the venue, which includes extension of the media centre to accommodate the foreign press and media, putting up another scoreboard for the convenience of journalists and a VIP Box atop the pavilion.

The organisers have also fixed rates of tickets for different galleries and the pavilion.

For a Test match, it's Tk 20 for Eastern gallery, Tk 50 for Western gallery and Tk 200 for pavilion while the prices are Tk 100, Tk 200 and Tk 1000 respectively for the ODI. A hospitality box will cost Tk 50,000.

Tickets will go on sale at stadium counters tomorrow.

The CJKS held a press conference at its auditorium on Sunday where they revealed details of their preparations.

CJKS president Md Shafiqul Islam, who is also the deputy commissioner (DC) of Chittagong, spoke on the occasion. But he was not properly equipped to satisfy the inquisitive journalists.

CJKS general secretary Shahed Asgar Chowdhury, vice-president Dastagir Chowdhury and media committee secretary Ali Abbas also attended the briefing.

Meanwhile, Khaled Mahmud's men arrived in the port city at last night. Michael Vaughan and his troops are expected to reach here this afternoon.

England won the first Test in Dhaka by seven wickets.

Sponsors of the series Standard Chartered bank and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will jointly host a dinner in honour of both teams at the Chittagong Club poolside this evening.