ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 opening ceremony called off, reasons revealed

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ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 opening ceremony has reportedly been called off by the Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI). Reports have suggested that traditionally held opening ceremony before the opening fixture will not be held this time around.

Initially, it was learnt that an opening ceremony after the Captains' Day event will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where defending champions are scheduled to play the tournament opener against New Zealand on October 5.

The star-studded ceremony was projected to feature Bollywood actors and singers including Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shreyas Ghoshal and Asha Bhosle. Plans were also made for a laser show and fireworks.

As per the latest reports, BCCI will only have captains meet tomorrow (October 4). The event which will see the captains of the ten teams answering a few questions, is likely to be followed by a laser show.

BCCI are expectedly mulling over thoughts to make the India versus Pakistan clash in October in Ahmedabad an even bigger one. A glittery ceremony could be held before the start of the match at 2 PM IST. Organising a closing ceremony on November 19 at the same venue could be one more option for the BCCI.

India last hosted the ODI World Cup in 2011. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were the co-host. The 1987 World Cup matches were also shared between India and Pakistan. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosted the event in 1996. India are the sole hosts of the 2023 World Cup. A total of 10 venues will host 48 matches.