ICC abolishes runners, makes tweaks to ODIs

The Andrew Strauss - Graeme Smith confrontation in the 2009 Champions League is one of the many recent controversies over the usage of runners © Getty Images

The abolition of runners, the usage of new balls from each end in one-dayers, and regulation of when the batting and bowling Powerplays can be taken are among the key recommendations the ICC Chief Executives' Committee has made after its meeting in Hong Kong. The suggestions, if approved by the ICC Executive Board, will come into effect from October 1. The other major decision taken was of making a modified version of the Decision Review System mandatory in Tests and ODIs.

Runners have been an established part of cricket for more than a century, though there have been several recent disagreements over their usage. In the 2009 Champions Trophy, Andrew Strauss had denied the cramping Graeme Smith a runner leading to controversy. Earlier this year, Michael Clarke had also questioned the need for runners for batsmen suffering from cramps.

The committee also made a series of proposals to spruce up the one-day game, foremost among them being the decision to use new balls at each end. The white ball loses colour as the innings progresses, making it hard to sight for the batsman, a problem the ICC had tried to address by replacing the ball after 34 overs. The most high-profile occasion so far where two new balls were used was the 1992 World Cup. The new ruling means bowlers will be able to get the ball to swing for longer periods, giving them more of a say in an increasingly uneven battle with batsmen.

The other major decision regarding the one-day game was to allow teams to take the batting and bowling Powerplays only between the 16th and 40th over. While the idea of introducing Powerplays are generally seen to have added an element of unpredictability to the format, bowling sides usually stuck to taking their Powerplay between the 11th and 15th over, while the batting team saved theirs for late in the innings. This meant the Powerplays didn't address the familiar criticism of the middle overs of one-day game being predictable, something the new proposal aims to correct.

The committee also decided to impose tougher penalties against slow over-rates. While captains were previously suspended for three over-rate breaches within a year, they will now be docked after only two offences.

The changes at a glance No runners in international cricket New balls from both ends in ODIs Batting and bowling Powerplays to be taken between overs 16 and 40 Captains to be suspended after only two over-rate breaches in a year, as opposed to the existing three

ICC chief Haroon Lorgat backed the changes suggested. "Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging Members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket."

Some ideas the committee recommends for domestic trials include changing the maximum number of overs a bowler is allowed, increasing the number of bouncers permitted in an over from one to two, making it optional to have close-in catchers and restricting the number of fielders outside the circle to four in non-Powerplay overs.

One major item on the agenda which remained unresolved was the format of the 2015 World Cup, with the committee recommending a qualification process for the tournament but not specifying how many teams would participate in the event. The announcement is, nevertheless, a crucial development since it revives the hopes of the Associate nations over participating in the tournament.

Another big issue to be addressed when the full council meets on Thursday is whether to continue with the rotational system of choosing ICC presidents. Pakistan and Bangladesh - the two members who are to put up the next candidates for president and vice-president - are both believed to be opposed to changing the current procedure. © ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Results of ICC Chief Executives’ Committee meeting

The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting began the ICC Annual Conference week in Hong Kong and concluded today. The key recommendations it has made to the ICC Executive Board are:

Decision Review System

The CEC today unanimously recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in decision-making (Decision Review System) in all Test matches and One-Day Internationals subject to availability and commercial considerations. The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices.

The CEC also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating Members.

CEC, which also approved the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one, believed that this was a step forward as the game embraces the principles of technology.

Format of ODI Cricket

CEC agreed with the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendations for the further enhancement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective powerplays to between the 16^th and 40^th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings – one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging Members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket.”

These innovations include a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl; an increase from one to two for the number of short balls permitted per over; no compulsory requirement for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.

Runners

CEC agreed with the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to abolish runners in international cricket.

Over-rates

The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was concerned at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. A captain will now be suspended for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to suspension.

Other ICC Cricket Committee recommendations including the continued research into the use of different colour balls to facilitate day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance, were also approved.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the ICC Executive Board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Reliance ICC Rankings

CEC gave its unanimous support to the present Reliance ICC Rankings system following a presentation by statistician David Kendix, who devised and operates the system for the ICC.

Mr Lorgat said: “There was agreement and a great deal of satisfaction that we have a robust and reliable rankings system that presents a true reflection of the quality and standing of the performances of international teams and that this system will be used for qualification and/or promotion and relegation purposes.

“It was also noted that the system is recognised by players, officials and supporters who are becoming more familiar and referring to the Reliance ICC Rankings to measure their teams’ progress.”

Context and Content for International Cricket

CEC agreed and recommended the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2012-2020 to the ICC Executive Board for adoption.

The ICC Executive Board will meet in Hong Kong on 28 and 29 June 2011.

Agreement on DRS after Hot Spot is made mandatory

The DRS has been made mandatory in all international games© Getty Images

The ICC's chief executives' committee has unanimously agreed to make a modified version of the Decision Review System (DRS) mandatory in all Tests and one-day internationals. The mandatory terms and conditions for the DRS that have now been recommended to the Executive Board for approval on Tuesday will now consist of infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices with the "ball-tracker" having been removed from the ICC's original compulsory list of DRS technologies.

This means that India will, for the first time since 2008, be agreeable to using the DRS in a bilateral series when it tours England from July onwards.

However the DRS used in the England-India series will be without the aid of ball-tracking technology, which means line decisions for lbw appeals cannot be referred. For example, if the ball pitches outside leg stump and the batsman is given out lbw, the batsman can appeal against the verdict but the third umpire will not have the benefit of the ball-tracking technology to ascertain where the ball pitched. On the other hand, if a batsman is given out lbw and he thinks there is an inside-edge involved, the Hot Spot will resolve whether there was an edge or not.

While Hot Spot is the only infrared, thermal imaging camera available on cricket, audio tracking, an ICC official confirmed, referred to the high quality 'clean and real time" replays from the stump microphones, not the Snicko.

The committee, which also approved the Cricket Committee's recommendation to reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one, decided that the continued use of the ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on the bilateral arrangement between the participating teams. Further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability

A decision about how the cost of using the DRS technology would be divided will be taken later. Last week, BCCI vice-president Niranjan Shah had said that the cost of using the DRS was as high as $60,000 per match. According to the ICC, however, that figure is close to $5000 per day, with a maximum of $25,000 being spent on DRS per Test. © ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Sachin was praying when Dhoni hit winning runs

Sachin Tendulkar didn't watch Mahendra Singh Dhoni's winning shot, a six over long on off Nuwan Kulasekara, that clinched India the World Cup final against Sri Lanka on Saturday night.

The batting maestro was inside the dressing room, his hands clasped, eyes shut and prayers on his lips. It was the deafening roar of the capacity crowd that shook him and made him realise that his life-long dream had been realised. "I was not listening to anything at that time. I was not watching too. I was just praying to God. I realised that we have won the Cup when the entire stadium went up in a cheer," Tendulkar said when MiD DAY caught up with him outside the dressing room at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

He played in five World Cups before without success. His dream was fulfilled on his home ground ” the Wankhede Stadium. Then, in a matter of a few moments, he moved from being immersed in himself to being lost in the frenzy of celebration. "I am really speechless. I don't know what to say! It's a feeling which I can't explain in any language," he said.

"It is a different kind of feeling. I am on a high. I believe now I am living in a different planet. It feels as if I am flying high." As he hugged his teammates one by one, tears rolled down his cheeks.

Then, as he has done on every occasion of reaching a milestone, he remembered his late father. "Khushi ke aansu bhi hote hain. Yeah, if he were here, he would have been the happiest person. He is always in my mind," Tendulkar said.

True heroes

Tendulkar was touched when the group of NSG commandos tasked with protecting him requested to be photographed with him and his family. Tendulkar immediately went into the dressing room and returned with son Arjun. Father and son posed with the commandos for the picture. "They are the real heroes. They defend our nation," the premier batsman said. The members of the Indian team might disagree, though. For them, he was God, the reason they played and won the coveted title. "I am not at all a special person. It was a nice gesture by the teammates. If you are talking about special, our nation is special. The people of our nation are special. We won the World Cup for them," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar praised man of the tournament, Yuvraj Singh: He has been absolutely wonderful," he said.

WC: Team Standing

Injured Bollinger out of World Cup

	Doug Bollinger joins Australia's long list of injured players© Getty Images

Australia's injury worries have worsened with Doug Bollinger to be sent home from the World Cup due to an ankle injury that may require surgery. The Australians came to India already missing Michael Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty and Shaun Marsh due to injuries, but Bollinger is the first member of the squad to be flown home mid-tournament.

Bollinger suffered pain in his left ankle during the first warm-up game against India and although the soreness eased and he was available for Monday's match against Zimbabwe, the problem intensified when the team arrived in Nagpur. Peter Siddle would be the logical replacement for Bollinger, but the selectors have not yet decided on who should join the squad.

The ICC has also confirmed that withdrawn players can return to replace other injured men, meaning the door has been opened for Michael Hussey to make a potential dash to the World Cup. However, the Australians would most likely prefer a backup fast bowler to replace Bollinger, with John Hastings the only reserve seamer in the touring party.

"He's got a thing called posterior impingement," Australia's physio Alex Kountouris said. "Basically, the bones at the back of the ankle, when he lands to bowl, one bone hits another bone and the bone becomes really inflamed and irritated. It irritates all the soft tissue around it as well. It's fairly common in fast bowlers.

"Brett Lee has had five or six lots of surgery on that in the past. It's reasonably common but he [Doug] has never had it before, so we thought we'd push it for as long as we could go, and he just can't go any further at the moment. We need to take him out of cricket for a while, whether he needs just rest or needs other treatment, maybe even surgery, that will be decided in the next few days."

Bollinger will have scans in Australia to determine whether he will need an operation and if that is required, he will have several months to recover before Australia's next Test tour, to Sri Lanka in August. The problem first appeared towards the end of the recent one-day series against England, but the pain did not become significant until the team was preparing for the match against New Zealand.

"It was only when he bowled yesterday here it became really sore again," Kountouris said. "He tried bowling again today and he was really sore today, so based on that, based on the sort of injury it is we're going to send him back to Australia and look at what our options are for treatment."

Shaun Tait, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, again proved themselves a formidable trio by dismissing New Zealand for 206 on Friday. The selectors will decide which player will join them over the next few days. © ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Anthem goof up at Kotla, ICC apologises

New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) The playing of the South African national anthem before the team's opening World Cup match here Thursday was stopped midway due to an audio glitch.

South Africa team media manager Lerato Malekutu confirmed this , adding that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had apologised for the goof up.

"It was unfortunate," Malekutu told IANS.

"The people here told us that there was something wrong with the audio and that is why it happened. The International Cricket Council has apologised and we have accepted it."

The ICC, in its defence, said they were not allowed to enter the ground when the glitch occurred.

"It should not have happened but when we tried to fix the problem, nobody was allowed in the ground due to security reasons," an ICC official told IANS.

"The ground authorities did not let anyone before 12.10 pm and after that there was not enough time to test the equipment," he added.

There were no hiccups when the West Indies national anthem was played.

World Cup 2011: The opening ceremony update

Thursday February 17, 2011

5:40	Nitin Sundar: Hello and welcome to the World Cup opening ceremony. Bangladesh have put in a lot of effort for this show, so get ready for Dhaka's finest.

5:45	[Comment From Dhruv ] Come on Indian Subcontinent show the world they also have power.

5:48

Nitin Sundar: Well, in general cricket World Cups and opening ceremonies haven't really gone off very well. I remember the faulty laser show in 1996, and an opening ceremony that was a non-event at the 1999 World Cup. Here's hoping for something better from the Bangabandhu Stadium. The ground is packed for the event, and Sid Monga was telling us there was a huge crowd trying to get a glimpse of the rehearsals yesterday! Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has arrived. The lighting is very space age - blue lighting with the spotlight on the raised platform in the middle. All set for the Bangladesh national anthem now.

5:51	Nitin Sundar: Sharda Ugra, our senior editor, shoots me down saying the 2003 World Cup in South Africa had the best music ever! Meanwhile, men and women dressed in green and red, the colours of the Bangladesh flag, recite the anthem.

5:52	Nitin Sundar: And now a montage of scenes from all the World Cups from 1975 to 2007, on the new big screen erected at the Bangabandhu Stadium. Looking good, I must say!

5:56

Nitin Sundar: A rendition of "Oh preeti preeti ...", which I assume is a popular local song by a group of singers. Very colourful costumes as people assemble around the elevated stage in coordination, the aerial view looks grand. And the song is catchy! Anyone who can translate the Bangla lyrics for our benefit?

5:56	[Comment From Arun ] Since their independence, this is the first time Bangladesh is in charge to handle a such a great event. Lets wish them all the best!

5:58

Nitin Sundar: Indeed, Arun. The Bangabandhu has additional significance since it hosted the first Tests of both Pakistan and Bangladesh - this ground is a crucial landmark in the international cricket map. I have vivid memories of the ICC mini World Cup held here in 1998, a tournament that then changed into the ICC knock-out and is now known as the ICC Champions Trophy. Bangladesh put on a grand show then, hosting a very interesting tournament.

6:02

Nitin Sundar: Stumpy, the tournament mascot, is being escorted into the ground, on a cycle rickshaw! And that's not all. We have pedal-powered cycle rickshaws escorting each of the captains into the center. Right. Now I have seen everything! Ponting has a shy smile. Strauss has a humongous smile. The captains of course as not riding their vehicles, they are sitting in the passenger area, accompanied by a kid in the respective team's colours.

6:02	Nitin Sundar: Haha! The kid accompanying Daniel Vettori is wearing spectacles. Looks like the NZ captain himself.

6:04	Nitin Sundar: The last time I saw an auto rickshaw in such a high-profile setting, was in the Shah Rukh Khan movie Main Hoon Na. It looked absurd in that spoof film, coming as it did in a high-speed chase. (No kidding.)

6:05	[Comment From navdeep ] Cycle rickshaws should be given to man of the match in this world cup!

6:06	Nitin Sundar: Great idea Navdeep! Not sure what they do with those cars and motorbikes in any case. Shakib Al Hasan gets the biggest cheer of the evening, only MS Dhoni can close to matching it.

6:06	[Comment From rony ] Rickshaw is an Iconic transport of Bangladsh

6:07	Nitin Sundar: We have the cycle rickshaws in India as well, but the motorised auto rickshaws (or tuk-tuks if you will) are more ubiquitous. The drivers literally take you for a ride, with the rates they charge.

6:08

[Comment From Kannan ] It is always tough to sit on one of those since you feel quite bad for the guy who is pedalling it - but anyway this is just for fun :-) and Its great to see Bangladesh given a chance to do the opening ceremony... I just hope that it will be something unique and not just one Bollywood song after another... the CWG opening ceremony was quite memorable...

6:09	Nitin Sundar: The captains have assembled on the dais, and fireworks take off from the ring around them. A huge round of applause for the men who matter. Time now for the Spirit of Cricket song, performed by popular Indian singer Sonu Nigam.

6:11

Nitin Sundar: Ouch. Nigam (a guy) has turned up in a waistcoat of sorts with a plunging neckline. And he's forgotten to wear a shirt inside. Hair unkempt as always, and a snakeskin overcoat. And a harem pant, which is perfectly in place for the ensemble. Ouch. Sonu Nigam - great voice. Slightly eccentric dress sense. Very theatrical.

6:12	Nitin Sundar: This is the first time I'm hearing this song, and I must admit, it's quite good to hear. Passionate lyrics and a passionate ring to it, that does justice to our great game.

6:14	Nitin Sundar: Fireworks go off as Sonu Nigam crescendoes into the closing lines... "Lets go for glory.." . Very opening cermony-ish. So far, this show has shown the right amound of restraint. Well begun, despite Sonu Nigam's clothes.

6:15	[Comment From Arnav ] looks like sonu nigam was gonna perform the zulu untill he started singing

6:16	Nitin Sundar: Sangakkara and Sehwag in a video, promoting Aids awareness. Of course, only the captains are here, so that was canned earlier. Mustafa Kamal, BCB president, delivers the Welcome Address now.

6:18	[Comment From Nishath ] Where is Shakira when you need her?

6:19	Nitin Sundar: I'll tell you who I am missing - AR Rahman. He's performed at events with far lesser prominence than this in the past. For me, the greatest musician on the planet.

6:20	Nitin Sundar: Mr. Kamal's speech began in English and has now given way to Bangla. He seems to be reciting it like an election manifesto, but the passion is obvious.

6:20	[Comment From Samy ] Can we have Shakira dressed like Sonu Nigam pretty pretty please.

6:23

Nitin Sundar: I am going to have a sleepless night thanks to Samy's comment, imagining Nigam performing Waka Waka. "It's time for Insomnia". Executive Editor Jayaditya Gupta translates a bit of what Mr. Kamal is saying, apparently he is asking for a 100,000 capacity ground, from the prime minister. He ends his speech with the words "Jai Bangladesh"(Victory to Bangladesh)

6:24	Nitin Sundar: Another offical takes over the speaking baton from Mr. Kemal, and welcomes the crowd to the opening ceremony of "ICC World Cup 2001". Hmm.

6:27

Nitin Sundar: In fact, just for effect, he read it out thus: "ICC World Cup, Two Zero Zero One" And he's now ended with Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu, Joy Bangladesh. That was a member of the sports ministry. Now we have the finance minister. What are the odds of the entire cabinet coming on stage to speak a couple of words today? Politicians in the subcontinent. Ubiquitous. All the time. Sigh. George Binoy predicts the orchids on the stage will wilt by the time these speeches are done.

6:28	[Comment From Pareek ] Have to pity the captains. Standing in there all the time. Listening to these speeches.

6:29	Nitin Sundar: Ha! Now MS Dhoni knows how others might feel when he starts off on one of his long-winded "Well of course..." rambles!

6:30	[Comment From TJ ] Dhoni to the other captains- "Well of course these speechs are very boring"

6:30	Nitin Sundar: ICC chief Sharad Pawar walks up to speak now.

6:31

Nitin Sundar: Oho, what have we here. Mr Pawar from Bombay has learnt some lines in Bangla! The crowd cheers on. I'm afraid, I have no idea what he's saying, but Ms. Sheikh Hasina is taking notes, probably in her speech. Thankfully, the captains have been given seats. They aren't standing through the discourses.

6:33	Nitin Sundar: Mr Pawar now says this is the third time the World Cup has come to the subcontinent, after 1987 and 1997. Can we do away with years altogether please? Just World Cup 1, World Cup 2 and so on.

6:34	[Comment From Ravi ] So many ministers from Bangladesh allowed to speak - must be due to coalition dharma!

6:34	Nitin Sundar: Well Ravi, thank heavens the opening ceremony was not in India!

6:35	Nitin Sundar: On a completely unrelated note - doesn't Mr. Pawar bear an uncanny resemblance to Umpire Amiesh Saheba?

6:36	Nitin Sundar: PM Sheikh Hasina takes over the mic now. She's started off in Bangla.

6:37	[Comment From Dhillon ] i always thought they were the same person , no ? enjoying umpiring and running the ICC side by side!

6:38	[Comment From Prasanta ] Allow Sachin to speak something. Because it's his last WC.

6:38	Nitin Sundar: That's alwaya a favourite. Sachin Tendulkar is not around for the ceremony, though. Now please don't stop following our coverage!

6:39	Nitin Sundar: Anand Ramachandran, one of our regulars on Page 2 muses on twitter, how bored Bryan Adams must be getting backstage. Well, no worries for Adams. He'll remain 18 till the speeches end.

6:40	[Comment From Ashraf ] It is good 2 speak in the national lauguage, but as it is a world cup she also speak in english.

6:40	Nitin Sundar: Ashraf might have been speaking at Ms. Hasina. She seamlessly slips into English now.

6:40	[Comment From Vijay ] Dont tell me she is going to repeat the whole thing in English now!

6:41	Nitin Sundar: "I hereby declare the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 open!" ends Ms. Hasina's speech. The music begins again, there's a smattering of applause and snazzy lights go off. And yeah, the speeches are over for now!

6:42	[Comment From Sami ] I wish I could be watching this right now but stuck in school:(

6:43	Nitin Sundar: In my day, you couldn't follow cricinfo when you were in school. What's the world coming to!

6:44	[Comment From Rajat ] In our day, we bunked that day. Come on Sami, run back home

6:47

Nitin Sundar: Ok, the speeches are done and now we have electronic kites flying around. And a 3-D electronic depiction of the World Cup on a building outside the stadium. Now the image of a pitch on that building. Ok, is this Bangabandhu or Hogwarts? We have a bunch of people abseiling down the wall of the building! They are going to play cricket completely horizontally. Jonty Rhodes will approve!

6:49

Nitin Sundar: Alan Wilkins and Ravi Shastri having a ball on air, as the bowler runs up the vertical face and 'bowls' a flourescent green ball-like light at a batsman. He's just stolen a tight single, before smashing a four. Wilkins says he is bowling pretty well up the slope. Ah well, now an intruder! Not a streaker mind you. The final ball of the game is smashed straight at me. I must say, I haven't seen anything like this. Good stuff, Bangladesh!

6:51

Nitin Sundar: Back on terra firma. Someone's emerging from the middle of the stage, with what can aptly be called a rain-bow. It is a bow that has all the colours of the rainbow and he shoots a firework arrow out. This is apparently a celebration of Magnificent India. Dancers in white kurta-pyjamas are running around with coloured flags to some music as the coloured lights flash away.

6:51	[Comment From Karthik ] Nope, Jonty would not approve that, he would not allow the electronic kites fly, he himself would.

6:52	Nitin Sundar: Now we have dancers bringing diyas - oil lamps from India - onto the stage.

6:53	[Comment From Nauman ] I can't bunk class, I am a teacher

6:53	Nitin Sundar: Nauman, the students are in good hands.

6:54	Nitin Sundar: "This is a big stage. A proud moment for India," says Ravi Shastri. One gets the feeling he's going to say tracer bullet pretty soon. Make no mistake, something's got to give.

6:55	Nitin Sundar: The tempo of the beats increase, performers showcasing different elements of Indian dance. We now have a Punjabi bhangra jig.

6:57	[Comment From Sid ] Nitin, where's the Shankar Ehsaan Loy & Brian Adams d'you know?

6:58	Nitin Sundar: Sid, I'm assuming they are backstage and getting ready for their bits. Bryan is still thinking if he's ever heard so many speeches before.

7:00

Nitin Sundar: After Punjab, we had Kashmiri dance and now a dance straight out of a Tamil song. Alan Wilkins has some trouble saying "Naka Mooka"! Dancers in shiny shirts and lungis (a type of sarong for men). Next up, a song from Rang de Basanti. AR Rahman's not around, but we have a song of his being performed. Ravi Shastri says something to the effect, " This is just what the doctor ordered." There's a random peacock imitation standing on the side of the stage.

7:01	[Comment From Ravi ] Wilkins pronouncing of "Nakka Mookka" will do Rajnikant proud!

7:01	Nitin Sundar: Friends who don't know who Rajnikanth is, please take a moment to google the legend. Thanks.

7:02	[Comment From Supra ] It is actually a sequence of dances from different parts of India. started with Maratha, followed by Bihu from Assam, then Kashmiri and now Punjab.

7:02	Nitin Sundar: Unfortunately Supra, we are having frequent commercial breaks so missed some of them.

7:03	[Comment From Sriram ] if the speeches are back, then Ravi Shastri might add 'The last thing they need at this stage is a speech'.

7:04	Nitin Sundar: The Indian performance is over and the Sri Lankans have taken over. We have three singers - Bathiya, Santush and Iraj rendering a peppy number. They are wearing glitzy jackets and goggles. Not even a shade on the absurd attire Sonu Nigam wore.

7:06	Nitin Sundar: The song began in Sinhalese, and now there's some English rapping. Very lively rhythm, sounds a lot like the songs from South India.

7:09	Nitin Sundar: Next up, the Sri Lankan dance. Sound of waves, and a flute as dancers assemble with sheets of clothes waved in the blue light. And a boat rides the waves. What's more, we have Russell Arnold in the commentary box.

7:11	Nitin Sundar: An oyster shell opens in the middle of the stage. Wilkins shatters the suspense before it opens saying there is going to be a princess inside. I was expecting a pearl. Oh well. Russell Arnold says she represents the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

7:11	[Comment From Murari ] But no one describes anything Sri Lankan better than Tony Greig.

7:13	Nitin Sundar: No one describes anything better than Tony Greig. He once spoke for two whole minutes about the material used to make the ropes on the boundary. They were trialing a new material with some elastic properties, in 2001, in South Africa. And Greig was waxing lyrical.

7:14	[Comment From Sidharth ] Tony would have said. "They are dancing in the aisles these Bangladeshis!"

7:16	Nitin Sundar: Some mythological scenes are being enacted on the stage. Folk beats and dancers with crowns.

7:16	[Comment From Kiran ] Why is the opening ceremony happening today instead of just before the start of fist match?

7:17	Nitin Sundar: Well, Kiran, good thing they began the speeches today, the ceremony will end before the first match on the 19th.

7:18	Nitin Sundar: Got to hand it to the broadcasters. No ad breaks when the politicians were speaking. Several now when these dancers are putting up a show for which they have probably rehearsed for months on end.

7:19	[Comment From Reyaz ] Hey i'm from canada. I would like to know what time the ceremony begins?

7:19	Nitin Sundar: Reyaz, I suggest you go back in time. It began around 50 minutes back.

7:21	Nitin Sundar: Back from the ad break. Bangladesh's cultural show begins with Sabina Yasmin, draped in saree, singing a Bangla song. Ah, the crowd love it, they are actually dancing in the aisles. Where is Tony Greig when you need him!

7:23	[Comment From Deemun ] What exactly are the captains doing at the moment ? - I can't imagine Vettori dancing to Bangla pop

7:26

Nitin Sundar: I am imagining what the captains might be up to. I am sure they have all done a round of handshakes. With everyone other than Ponting, that is. No one wants to shake a habitually spat-upon hand. Vettori must be fogging and wiping his glasses. Dhoni must be practicing the helicopter shot. Smith must be trying not to choke on all the emotion.

7:27	Nitin Sundar: Another woman dressed in a bright saree renders a song, and Mohammad Ashraful, sitting outside the stage sings along. The famous Runa Laila croons away now. She's in a black saree and has a very 80s-style hairdo.

7:29	Nitin Sundar: "Duma Dum Mast Kalandar" is the song Runa Laila is singing - very famous in Bangladesh and India.

7:32	Nitin Sundar: The side lights go off, the stage is illuminated in gold for a rendition of "Amar Sonar Bangla..." Begins with a man playing a flute, as the drums gather the tempo. Very gentle riffs. Ah, now men run into the stage like boatmen, with imitation boats around their waists, and oars.

7:33	Nitin Sundar: A folksy Manipuri dance is on now. Manipur is of course in India, but clearly has an influence on Bangladesh as well.

7:33	[Comment From Lorenzo ] I cant get the full effect .. sing for us Nitin?

7:34	Nitin Sundar: You'll regret asking for it, Lorenzo!

7:34	[Comment From Nishath ] Normal service resumes with respect to opening ceremonies. They just lull you into sleep.

7:37

Nitin Sundar: Ramesh Srivats, a prominent twitter commentator, wonders why any representation of culture has to be ancient and rural. It is a fair question, especially in the subcontinent. Will culture change in the next 200 years? Or will the opening ceremony of World Cup 2211 have these same dances and songs? Make no mistake, it is all very good to watch. But begs the question, does culture remain static.

7:38	Nitin Sundar: Several people asking if Sreesanth is performing. Answer is no. Neither is Brett Lee. Nor AB de Villiers. Pity.

7:39	Nitin Sundar: Interesting question from Smith. He asks if Lalit Modi is there. Unless he's hiding in the crowd, I guess not.

7:40	[Comment From Srinath ] Hmmmm...Didnt know they had 3D projections on adjoining buildings 200 years ago! Or a cricket world cup for that matter!

7:43

Nitin Sundar: That wasn't my point Srinath. The 3d projection was a tool used for display. It wasn't a part of the cultural show, but a mere aid. Anyways.. Now we have laser lights. Laser made its subcontinent debut in the 1996 World Cup opening ceremony, in spectacularly ordinary fashion. Various elements of the Bangladesh identity, such as the language and the national flower - the water lily - are being depicted.

7:44	Nitin Sundar: Pictures from earlier today - Stumpy making an appearance on a cycle rickshaw: http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/image/501463.html

7:45	Nitin Sundar: And MS Dhoni wearing that trademark smile of his as he's being transported onto the stage http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/image/501464.html

7:46	Nitin Sundar: As a closing thought on the culture discussion - the Indian segment did include songs from Bollywood and other movie industries of the country. Which I guess is the modern representation of the country's culture.

7:49	[Comment From umesh ] Bryan Adams is singing backstage... "Please Forgive Me"

7:49	[Comment From Sidharth ] Feel for the guy who was driving stumpy.. Looks like he was really made to work hard there..

7:51	Nitin Sundar: Can't be easy to pedal an elephant around. Even if it's a make-believe pachyderm. Some more pics - here is Graeme Smith getting a lift. http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/image/501458.html?page=1

7:52	[Comment From Richard ] We have another cultural thing going on. Commerical. Bangladesh Tourism. No respite

7:53	Nitin Sundar: Alright. The moment has arrived. Bryan Adams, in a black shirt, hair slicked back and a guitar slung around the shoulder. Lip-syncs "Summer of '69 ...". Hmm. Wonder if these are the best days of his life.

7:54	Nitin Sundar: Ramesh Srivats is on fire on Twitter. He says, "I really hope Bryan Adams sings "18 till I die" and the camera quickly cuts to Afridi." Hahahaha!

7:55	Nitin Sundar: Ok, I take that back. Adams, unlike some of the previous singers, isn't lip-syncing. He's singing live.

7:57	Nitin Sundar: "Lets make it a night to remember" now from Bryan Adams. All those lovely speeches made it a night to remember, long before Adams took the stage, but well ..

7:59	Nitin Sundar: All I can say is, this is better than listening to Akon and watching Shah Rukh Khan 'dancing' during the IPL.

8:00	Nitin Sundar: Little known facts about Bryan Adams - his middle name is 'Guy'. He is also a reasonably renowned photographer. Ricky Ponting sings along with him now.

8:01	Nitin Sundar: Ah here it is - "18 till I die..."Where is Afridi I say!

8:03	[Comment From Sri ] I guess you have mistaken Nitin .Ricky would be chewing something in his mouth.

8:06	Nitin Sundar: Haha, they actually showed Afridi, looking tense and quiet in the captain's corner. Right, Bryan Adams did entertain tonight. Three songs and he exits stage. Now for the official 2011 World Cup song, "De ghuma ke" by Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan and Loy.

8:08

Nitin Sundar: Shankar as always, portly and grooving about on the stage. Always strikes a spectacle when he's singing. I will never understand why these singers wear goggles while performing in the night. If the aliens are watching, they'd be thoroughly confused. A bunch of dancers on the stage, swinging bats into aggressive cover drives. "De ghuma ke" literally means "Swing hard"

8:08	[Comment From Jai ] The "Waka Waka" of cricket. Loving it.

8:08	[Comment From sabeen ] Afridi always looks tense - with his constant nail biting.

8:09	Nitin Sundar: Problem with Afridi is, he doesn't always stick to nails ...

8:09	[Comment From Rahul ] Sunglasses at night! Give me a break. The lasers and the lights can be so bright also.

8:10	Nitin Sundar: I guess it is down to personal preference. I personally did not like Waka Waka. And I absolutely loathe this song. My colleague Firdose Moonda likes both. So it goes.

8:11	[Comment From Taimur ] Me thinks AR Rehman would have done a far better job with the official song.

8:11	[Comment From Chinny ] Ok so you never post what i say, so im gonna stop

8:11	Nitin Sundar: Ah, got you Chinny!

8:14	Nitin Sundar: Bangabandhu is going bonkers! Spectacular fireworks light up the sky. The laser lights up the sky. Not sure why, but the same song is now being sung for the third time on the trot.

8:16

Nitin Sundar: Right, they have ended the song and I really don't recall a more grand fireworks show in the subcontinent. This reminds me of the Atlantis hotel inauguration in Dubai a couple of years back. Really colourful and a lot of lights. Well, opinion on the opening ceremony may be divided, but Bangladesh, take a bow for the sheer effort. They are one tired and happy lot now.

8:17	Nitin Sundar: Right then, on that note we sign off today. I enjoyed narrating the show as it happened, and look forward to joining you for the cricket in a couple of days time. Let the games begin! So long and thanks for all the feedback.

8:18

Courtesy: ESPNcricinfo