ODI World Cup 2023: No opening ceremony? Here's what we know so far

The ODI World Cup 2023 is not going to have an opening ceremony, as per reports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, hadn't announced a formal plan for the ceremony, but there were reports doing rounds of some famous artists going to perform after the Captains' Day event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) heldthe Captains' Day on the eve of the ODI World Cup 2023 which starts October 5 in Ahmedabad. But there are no plans for an opening ceremony contrary to previous reports. It was claimed by a section of media that a star-studded line-up of Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shreya Ghoshal, and Asha Bhosle would perform to mark the beginning of the tournament with fireworks and a laser show display as well. There is, however, neither confirmation nor a cancellation announcement on the opening ceremony by the BCCI.

Also Read:No Pakistan! Former India captain Sourav Ganguly predicts CWC 2023 semi-finalists

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For the first match of the tournament, defending champions England will take on 2015 and 2019 runners-up New Zealand at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. The two sides had recently met in an ODI series which England won comfortably. Talking about players to watch out for in the game, Ben Stokes was one of the biggest names, however, he has now been ruled out due to an injury.Kane Williamson will also miss the opening match for the Kiwis.

Nonetheless, there are enough match-winners on each side and here are some top players to watch out for in the game between the 2019finalists.

Trent Boult: New Zealand's top wicket-taker on whom the Kiwis would be resting their hopes, praying that his swinging deliveries take early wickets.

Mark Wood: England's enforcer with extreme pace and a crucial log-in wheel of England's middle-over plans.

Devon Conway: TheBlack Caps opener with sublime current form has the duty of giving strong starts, especially in Kane Williamson's absence.

Adil Rashid: Potential game-changer for defending champions as his leg-spin can make or break middle overs for England.