Opening ceremonies build excitement before a tournament. Cricket World Cup opening ceremonies are no different. With CWC 2023 approaching, let’s revisit the last three and evaluate their impact.
Read More: Five Bowlers who dominated the Cricket World Cup of 2019
CWC 2011 Opening Ceremony
2011 was a very saturated year in Cricket. At least 5 teams were competing for the championship title that year. As a consequence, the hype around CWC 2011 was enormous. With the hype as a tool, the organizers put on a show of people and color at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka. The sensational hit “De Ghumake Ke” by the Indian musical Trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy kept people enthusiastic throughout the tournament.
Notable local performers included Arnob, Mila, Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, and Sonu Nigam. Canadian musician Bryan Adams performed his 1984 hit “Summer of 69.” The ceremony featured drones, fireworks, and the iconic local vehicle, the Rickshaw. All high-profile political figures and journalists were present at the occasion.
CWC 2015 Opening Ceremony
Hosted jointly in New Zealand and Australia, the 2015 Opening Ceremony took place at two different places simultaneously. Surprisingly, people from other nations gathered at North Hagley Park and Melbourne in tandem. Needless to say, the ceremony was filled with cricket fans and music. The official theme song by Bob’s Beat (Ft. Mawe) was an instant hit because of its powerful lyrics.
Famous singer Hayley Westenra and a reputed Kiwi band named Shapeshifter performed at the ceremony. Additionally, the ceremony featured the Irish River Dance and the Kandyan dance. As usual, Important government officials and ex-cricketers from almost all participating countries were present at the ceremonies.
CWC 2019 Opening Ceremony
Despite ICC’s commitments to host a grand opening ceremony for the inauguration of CWC 2019, the outcome was quite disappointing. The opening ceremony occurred on the 29th of May 2019 at the Central Mall of London. Due to the typical British weather and rain, the number of people that showed up was relatively low.
After introducing the captains of the participating teams, a small-scale celebrity street cricket game was held. The official theme song for CWC 2019, “Stand By” by Loryn and the British drum and bass band Rudimental, ended the ceremony. However, on Social Media platforms, the ceremony received criticism for its lack of festivity and color.
The 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup will start on 5th October 2023 with a game between the finalists of CWC 2019, England and New Zealand. All preparations for the tournament are done, and the cricket world awaits to crown a world champion of ODI Cricket this year.
