Cup opening to be short and sweet

The 1999 cricket World Cup begins tomorrow with hosts England taking on holders Sri Lanka in front of a sell-out crowd at cricket's hallowed ground, Lord's. And like the previous editions of the tournament, the match will be preceded by the customary opening ceremony. However, unlike previous years, it's going to be short and sweet, and last for just 15 minutes this time.

Tournament director Michael Browning said: "I don't think people are interested in a big send-off; they just want to get the cricket started. We have to acknowledge the fact there are 12 teams competing in the tournament and to do that we will have kids dressed in the respective strips. There will be plenty of colour.
"I think most people who are coming to the game would rather be happy it was done this way than have a ceremony which goes on and on and becomes rather boring."

Perhaps, Browning was referring to the previous World Cup in Calcutta four years ago which included fireworks and displays of dancing and went on for hours.

Prime Minister Tony Blair will open the tournament. A flypast by helicopters is also expected to form part of the ceremony.

Agencies

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