The fate of the ICC World Cup 2023 opening ceremony hangs in the balance as reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have canceled the glitzy and glamorous event initially planned. The opening ceremony, which was anticipated to be a star-studded affair featuring Bollywood celebrities and renowned musicians, is said to have been axed. However, it’s important to note that these reports have not been independently verified, and the BCCI has not officially confirmed any such cancellation.
Initially scheduled for October 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the grand opening ceremony was expected to feature prominent figures like Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shreya Ghoshal, and Asha Bhosle. The spectacle was intended to be complemented by a fireworks display and a laser show.
While the opening ceremony’s fate remains uncertain, reports indicate that the Captains’ Day event, which was planned to follow the opening ceremony, is still on schedule. This event is set to feature all 10 captains from the participating teams, including Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. It will be followed by a laser display.
Here’s a list of the captains of the participating teams in the ICC World Cup 2023:
- India: Rohit Sharma
- Pakistan: Babar Azam
- England: Jos Buttler
- Australia: Pat Cummins
- New Zealand: Kane Williamson
- Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka
- Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan
- Netherlands: Scott Edwards
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma
- Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the opening ceremony, there are reports suggesting that the BCCI is exploring the possibility of organizing an event before the high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Furthermore, there is speculation that a closing ceremony might be planned for the final match, which is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, also in Ahmedabad.
India’s World Cup campaign is set to kick off on Sunday, October 8, with a match against Australia in Chennai. With a formidable squad and the advantage of playing on home turf, India is considered a strong contender to win the tournament and break their ICC title drought, which has persisted since their Champions Trophy victory in 2013.