BCCI chooses to skip opening ceremony for ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023

In a break from tradition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to host an opening ceremony for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which commences on October 5. Unlike previous editions, this year's tournament will kick off without a formal opening event.

The 2023 World Cup will commence with a thrilling match between England and New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Initially, BCCI had planned a grand opening ceremony on October 4, just a day before the inaugural match at the same venue.

The cancelled opening ceremony was expected to feature Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shreyas Ghoshal, and Asha Bhosle.

Spectators were eagerly awaiting fireworks and laser displays to mark the beginning of the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Although the Captains' Day event remains on the schedule, there has been no official announcement regarding the cancellation of the opening ceremony. All ten team captains will gather in Ahmedabad for this event.

Pakistan will begin their tournament journey one day later in Hyderabad, facing the Netherlands on October 6.

One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, Pakistan vs. India, is scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad.

The BCCI is contemplating organising a special function in Ahmedabad before this high-stakes clash between the arch-rivals.

The decision to forgo the opening ceremony indicates a shift in focus for the BCCI, highlighting the sporting contests themselves over extravagant pre-event celebrations.