The anticipation for the ICC Cricket World Cup was at its
peak, with the opening ceremony originally scheduled to take place in
Ahmedabad. However, at the last minute, it appears that there won't be an
opening ceremony after all. This edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup marks the
fourth time it will be hosted in India, and the schedule was finalized at the
end of July, setting the stage for league matches spanning from October 5th to
November 19th.
A total of 45 league matches will be contested across 10 stadiums,
making this tournament a cricket extravaganza. One of the most highly
anticipated clashes, India versus Pakistan, is slated for October 14th.
Surprisingly, it has been reported that there will be no grand opening ceremony
for the World Cup 2023, despite earlier plans indicating otherwise. Ahmedabad
Stadium was initially given significant importance in the tournament, and the
first match, featuring England and New Zealand, will indeed kickstart the
series on October 5th at the Ahmedabad Stadium.
Moreover, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to the
England versus Australia match on November 4th, the South Africa versus
Afghanistan clash on November 10th, and the grand finale on November 19th, all
of which will be hosted at the iconic Ahmedabad Stadium.
Initial reports had suggested that the opening ceremony
would be a grand affair, organized by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in
India), with participation from all 10 teams and their captains. It was even
named "Captain's Day" in collaboration with the ICC. However, the
sudden announcement that there will be no opening ceremony has taken fans by
surprise, just days before the ICC Cricket World Cup is set to begin. The
cricketing world will have to adjust its expectations for the tournament, as it
unfolds without the customary opening spectacle.