DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):

West Indies captain Darren Sammy said yesterday his side held no ill will towards the Bangladeshi people, following the bus-stoning incident here earlier this month.

Sammy's charges returned to the city this week for the first time since irate fans stoned their team bus after they crushed Bangladesh by nine wickets here on March 4.

"Since we've been back here we feel loved by the people. Obviously, it's unfortunate what happened but we've put that behind us," Sammy said ahead of West Indies' quarter-final match against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

"We know Bangladesh people are a loving people, they support their cricket. No doubt tomorrow will be a very exciting game. Hopefully, West Indies will come out on the victorious end of things."

The incident occurred after West Indies shot out Bangladesh for a World Cup low 58 and then strolled to a nine-wicket win in their Group B meeting.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat downplayed the episode, saying the fans had thrown only 'pebbles', a remark slammed as ridiculous by West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson.

food poisoning

Meanwhile, there was a scare yesterday when members of the security forces assigned to the West Indies team hotel were taken to the hospital after falling sick with food poisoning.

Officials confirmed that around 50 policemen on duty at the teams' hotels for the World Cup quarter-final between West Indies and Pakistan, and those stationed at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium venue, required medical attention.

"The policeman started vomiting shortly after having the food," said Colonel Mesbahuddin, the security chief for the Local Organising Committee. "Around 50 of them were taken to hospital for treatment."

He said the food had been supplied by a local contractor who was subsequently taken into custody.

A heavy security net has been in place for the first quarter-final between West Indies and Pakistan.