The tenth Cricket World Cup has been launched in Bangladesh, marking the start of the six week event that will be performed across the nations of South Asia, with India and Sri Lanka hosting matches alongside Bangladesh.
Pakistan was among the four original host countries participating in this event, but sadly they were forced to withdraw amid security fears.
The fourteen captain’s of the teams taking part in the tournament were paraded around the Bangabandu Stadium in Dhaka in rickshaws at the opening ceremony while performers demonstrated local cultures to the 21,000 strong crowd.
Further entertainment was provided by Indian singer Sonu Nigam, Bangladesh-based Runa Laila and Canadian Bryan Adams.
Cricket crazy South Asia will be itching for the competition to get underway, but was wait until Saturday when Bangladesh host the favourites India at the Mirpur Stadium.
The South Asia Cricket World Cup will feature eight matches in Bangladesh, twelve in Sri Lanka and twenty nine in India, including the final which will take place in Mumbai on April 2nd.
Addressing the crowd gathered for the opening ceremony ICC president Sharad Pawar said: “Our flagship event provides the stage on which players have the rare opportunity to create legend and to write their own chapter in the history of this great sport. The greatest cricketers in the world will grace this event and I am sure that their ability, whether with bat or ball, will provide excitement and enjoyment for all cricket lovers.”
