World Cup Cricket launched today
Published:Thursday | February 17, 2011 | 4:33 PM
The 10th Cricket World Cup was launched today following a $30 million Opening Ceremony in Bangladesh.
All 14 captains paraded around the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka as 3,500 performers demonstrated local cultures.
Indian singer Sonu Nigam, Bangladesh-based Runa Laila and Canadian Bryan Adams provided further entertainment.
The more modern stadium in Mirpur hosts Saturday's tournament opener, in which Bangladesh host favourites India.
The 49-match, six-week tournament is spread across cricket-crazy south Asia, with Sri Lanka and India also hosting matches. Of the original four host nations, Pakistan was forced to withdraw over security fears.
Meanwhile, West Indies opener Adrian Barath of T&T and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh junior of Jamaica are injury doubts for their opening clash against South Africa next Thursday.
A West Indies spokesman says both players are struggling with hamstring injuries and had scans.
He further says the outlook is not good and if replacements are required they will be named in the next few days.