LONDON: The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has been launched with a bang as London’s iconic Mall plays host to a spectacular Opening Party on the eve of the event.
The event will formally commence tomorrow with host England playing their opening match against South Africa at The Oval in London.
A simple and brief but colourful World Cup opening ceremony was attended by some 40,000 people to keep it a simple affair.
The ceremony was hosted by Andrew Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Shibani Dandekar.
The opening ceremony comes to an end with official World Cup 2019 Song Stand By' being performed by singer Loryn.
Some of the cricket greats, including Sir Viv Richards, Brett Lee, former India captain Anil Kumble, Mahela Jayawardene, Azhar Ali took part in the 60 second challenge. Hosts England won that game of cricket, the five-time World Champions Australia stood third with 69 runs.
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai also addressed the crowd and talked about how cricket could be a weapon to bring countries together.
The ceremony came to end with the official World Cup song ''Stand By'' performed by singer Loryn.
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