Cricket fans were abuzz with anticipation to catch a glimpse of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, new sensation Irfan Pathan and Anil Kumble, who is only a wicket away from becoming the highest Indian wicket-taker in the five day contest.

But a letter from an unknown group came as a shock for the whole nation in a month that is recalled for emotional reasons --- victory in Bangladesh's ninth-month War of Liberation in 1971where India played a significant role.

India was also sporting enough to come to Dhaka in November 2000 and play the Inaugural Test. But the much awaited first full series between the two neighbours that includes two Tests and three one-day internationals has virtually come to a standstill because of some apparent pranksters.

Bangladesh has played a number of Tests and one-dayers at home and the cricket loving people of the land have always greeted the touring teams with warm hospitality without creating a single incident on or off the field.

However this unfortunate 'letter' has cast an evil shadow that cricketers and fans alike cannot accept.

"We are not ready to see an unnatural death of the series on the basis of an asinine threat. We have waited a long time to see the superstars from across the border," said 25-year-old Jafar Ullah, who came to the Big Bowl to watch the national cricketers train.

Coach Dav Whatmore looked disturbed with the sudden twist of events but the Australian refused to make any comment saying, "It's an administrative matter but we are eager to know the development."

"I never played India before, so I am excited before the series. I have a dream to take the wicket of Rahul Dravid in Test. He is a great batsman," said Mashrafee-bin-Mortuza, the Narail tearaway who is set to make an international return after one year due to injury.

Meanwhile, the ESPN-Star Sports, who will provide the live coverage of the series, has already started putting their equipment in place. Two umpires West Indian Jeremy Lloyd and Pakistani Aleem Dar and match referee Chris Broad of England are also in the city

The ticket and seating committee of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in a press briefing yesterday, however said that the sale of gallery tickets, which were expected to be available through ONE Bank, might be pushed back by a day in light of what has happened.

But everything will fall into place once Sourav's men are cleared to come to Dhaka.