The BCCI had planned an opening ceremony on October 4 featuring bollywood stars like Asha Bhosle, Ranveer Singh, Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh. However, as per the latest reports that have emerged, there will be no opening ceremony in ICC World Cup 2023 at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Opening ceremony is a common tradition for major tournaments and cricket fans were eagerly waiting to witness some exciting performances from Bollywood celebrities ahead of the World Cup. While the opening ceremony has been cancelled by the Indian board, the Captains’ Meet will take as per the earlier schedule on October 4.
Opening Ceremony in ICC World Cup 2023 cancelled by BCCI
The star-studded opening ceremony in ICC World Cup 2023 was scheduled to start at 7 PM IST, immediately after the Captains’ Meet event at the Narendra Modi Stadium. But the latest reports by Rev Sports and Dainik Jagran suggest that there would not be any opening ceremony ahead of the showpiece event.
The reports also suggest that rather than the opening ceremony, the BCCI will organise a closing ceremony on November 19 or a grand ceremony before India vs Pakistan match which is to be played on October 14. The clash against Pakistan is the much-anticipated game of the mega event.
Captains of all the 10 participating teams, including India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, will be present in Ahmedabad on October 4 for the Captains’ Meet. The Captains’ Meet will be followed by a laser show to mark the beginning of the marquee tournament.
The opening match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be played at the same venue on October 5. The finalists of the 2019 ODI World Cup i.e. Jos Buttler-led England and Kane Williamson-led New Zealand will contest against each other in the first game of World Cup 2023.
The most-awaited clash of the tournament will also be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, when Rohit Sharma-led Team India will take on Babar Azam-led Pakistan. The Final of the marquee tournament will also be played in Ahmedabad on November 19.
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The Men in Blue will face Netherlands on October 3 in their second warm-up game at Trivandrum which will be their last chance to prepare before the league stage of World Cup 2023. They will take on the Aussie side in their first league game in Chennai on October 8.