The 2023 ODI World Cup will kick off without the fanfare of an opening ceremony, as per recent revelations. In contrast to the grand spectacle witnessed during the 2011 ODI World Cup in the subcontinent, this year’s tournament will commence without any formal opening festivities.

The ICC (International Cricket Council) and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) have opted for a more subdued start to the event. Instead of a lavish opening ceremony, a ‘Captains’ Day’ event is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, involving all 10 team captains, featuring photo opportunities and press conferences. This event is set to take place a day before the inaugural match between England and New Zealand at the same venue.

A trusted source confirmed the absence of an opening ceremony, stating, “There was never an opening ceremony planned for the World Cup. I can confirm that.” This decision contrasts with the IPL (Indian Premier League), where a brief opening ceremony is possible since IPL matches typically start in the evening. In contrast, World Cup matches are scheduled to begin in the afternoon.

Notably, there is a noticeable lack of excitement in the city and at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the tournament’s opening match, particularly since India is not partaking in this initial game. Expectations, however, are set to soar when India faces Pakistan on October 14, marking one of the most highly anticipated clashes of the entire competition.

In a positive development for cricket enthusiasts in Mumbai, an additional 9,000 tickets will soon be available for purchase on BookMyShow.com, the official ticketing platform for the World Cup, for matches taking place at the Wankhede Stadium. This decision comes after the Mumbai Cricket Association heeded advice from top officials of the BCCI and the International Cricket Council. The Wankhede Stadium is slated to host five matches during the tournament, including the India versus Sri Lanka clash on November 2 and the first semi-final on November 15.