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50 injured in Bangladesh cricket violence

More than 50 people were injured in clashes between supporters of two local cricket teams in eastern Bangladesh, witnesses and police said today.

The witnesses said the violence erupted over an umpire's decision and involved hundreds of fans watching an under-15 match yesterday at Ashuganj, 42 km northeast of Dhaka.

''Police had to struggle for several hours to bring the situation under control as the fighting spread into two adjoining villages,'' police superintendent Chowdhury Ahsanul Kabir said.

Police said the villagers clashed with knives and sticks, leaving more than 50 injured, but none seriously.

A cricket craze in now sweeping Bangladesh following the country's performances in the World Cup in England. Bangladesh had an upset win over Pakistan besides beating Scotland in the tournament.