The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 kicked off on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka. All the 14 captains of the various teams were led on a cycle rickshaw into a packed stadium with cheering crowds.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina watched as home skipper Shakib Al Hasan received a rapturous welcome as he arrived at the rear of the unusual parade at the start of the two-hour ceremony.
Addressing a packed Bangabandhu National Stadium, Hasina said, "I hope that fraternity among the nations will further be strengthened through the Cricket World Cup."
"It is my great pleasure to be present at this colourful opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka. We feel greatly privileged to co-host the cricket extravaganza in our beautiful country. I welcome the ICC officials, guests and spectators in this majestic ceremony," she added.
"I would like to extend my thanks to the ICC for selecting Bangladesh to host the opening ceremony and eight matches in Bangladesh. My thanks go to the organisers and patrons for their immense labour to hold the ICC Cricket World Cup successfully. I congratulate my cricket-loving countrymen for their great enthusiasm and cooperation to make this event a grand success.
"Good luck to the players and I hope that fraternity among the nations will further be strengthened through this World Cup."
Her opening address was followed by a performance famous Bollywood singer
Sonu Niigaam, who got busy enthralling the spectators with an English number.Bryan Adam will render two songs, while Sonu Niigaam will sing songs in praise of the participating countries.
Playback singer Sonu Niigaam will be singing a self-composed English song 'Rise Up for Glory'. "I used to play cricket as a child till showbiz happened. My song and performance is a tribute to my childhood, the spirit of cricket and most importantly an ode to all the legends this game has given birth to," Sonu said. "All the captains will appear at the ceremony for the first time with me."
Later, Bangaldesh Cricket Board president Mustafa Kamal delivered the welcome address. Then it was time for the usual speeches with ICC president Sharad Pawar too delivering his speech.
"Today is a historic day when the people of Bangladesh join India and Sri Lanka together to host the ICC Cricket World Cup, and make this tournament the most memorable yet," said Pawar in his speech.
The ICC chief also acknowledged the contribution and support of the Government of Bangladesh and, in particular, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her support.
He also praised the Government of India and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and also President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Government for their support and cooperation.
With the speeches over it was time for some cricketing action. But, it wasn't the usual cricket, but the spectators got to witness an interesting version - an 'aerial cricket'. The players were certainly not cricketers but stunt performers hung from wires playing with illuminated cricket gear.
That was followed by the 'lavni' dance, a folk dance from Maharashtra and soon other dancers apt in other folk dance forms, be it Punjabi, Kashmiri, South Indian or Bangladeshi came out to form a huge amalgamation of artists.
Later, singer Runa Laila of "Dama Dam Mast Kalandar" fame sang the famous number in front of 21,000 spectators and pop singer Mila added a local touch to the extravaganza.
Finally, the moment came that was much anticipated. Canadian singer Bryan Adams came out and delivered a breathtaking performance. He even sang the famous: "18 till I die" in front of cheering spectators.
Lastly, the World Cup's official song "De Ghuma Ke" composed by composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy was sung by Shankar to mark the end of the opening ceremony and the beginning of the mega cricketing extravaganza.
Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/130110/sports/icc-world-cup-2011-opening-ceremony.html
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Bollywood-stars-not-on-guest-list-for-opening-ceremony/articleshow/7505493.cms
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