The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have joined forces to bid farewell to the World Cup 2023 tournament with an unprecedented closing ceremony. The final match between India and Australia is set to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, with various events planned by the BCCI to entertain fans.
India dominated the group stage, securing the top position with a perfect record of nine victories, accumulating a maximum of 18 points. Their exceptional net run rate of 2.570 stood out as the most impressive in the group stage.
Australia, after initial setbacks with losses to India and South Africa in the opening matches, made a strong comeback. Despite starting at the bottom of the table, they rallied to win their subsequent seven matches, earning a total of 14 points and securing qualification.
The ICC has outlined a four-part ceremony for the final, which will be graced by the presence of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The BCCI, serving as the host for the tournament, aims to create lasting memories by incorporating diverse music and lighting events on Sunday, culminating in an unprecedented fireworks display.
Narendra Modi Stadium, having previously hosted the tournament opener and the India vs Pakistan game, is now poised to host its inaugural ICC final event. The 132,000-capacity venue, known for its stunning match day experiences, previously hosted two IPL finals and is geared up to elevate the spectacle to new heights in the upcoming mega-final.
Schedule for the ICC World Cup Final Ceremony 2023:
1. Air Force Salute at 12:30 PM for 10 minutes
The Indian Air Force is set to add a special touch to the occasion with a 10-minute airshow performed by the Suryakiran Acrobatic Team.
Led by Flight Commander and Deputy Team Leader Wing Commander Sidhesh Kartik, a nine-hawk team from the Suryakiran Acrobatic Team will take off from Ahmedabad’s airport, presenting a vertical air show above the Narendra Modi Stadium.
2. Champions’ Parade at 5:30 PM for 15 minutes
In an historic move for the tournament, the ICC has extended invitations to all World Cup-winning team captains to participate in the 2023 final festivities.
Captains from Clive Lloyd, who led the 1975-winning team, to the most recent victor, Eoin Morgan, are anticipated to partake in a 15-minute parade at the Narendra Modi Stadium, showcasing all five World Cup trophies.
The BCCI has organised a special felicitation for the captains, including iconic figures such as MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, who will be presented with a distinctive blazer symbolising the 2023 edition of the World Cup.
3. Musical Extravaganza
Renowned Indian music director Pritam will lead a spectacular musical show titled ‘Dil Jashn Bole.’ More than 500 dancers are set to captivate the audience at Narendra Modi Stadium with vibrant performances featuring popular songs like Kesariya, Deva Deva, Lehra Do, and many others.
4. Championship Crowned with 1200 Drones
As part of the farewell celebrations, the ICC has devised a mesmerising laser magic production to unveil the name of the World Cup-winning team alongside the trophy. The night sky over Ahmedabad will be illuminated by over 1200 drones displaying the victorious team’s name, followed by the world’s grandest fireworks display.
How to Watch the ICC World Cup Final 2023?
The ICC’s global broadcast partner, Disney Star, and its licensees will be airing the match worldwide.
- In India, Star Sports Network is the go-to destination for viewers. The unique vertical feed coverage, a first in cricket, produced by ICC TV and backed by Disney+ HotStar, continues to offer fans a seamless and intuitive mobile phone viewing experience, allowing on-the-go content consumption.
- Australian coverage will be hosted by Fox Sports and Kayo, with select matches featured on Channel Nine and 9Now.
- In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is the destination for Men’s Cricket World Cup matches.
- Fans in the UK can catch the live action on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Showcase, and digitally through the SkyGO and Sky Sports App. Primetime, free-to-air highlights will be accessible on Channel 5 and the My5 App for the first time.
- For viewers in the USA, WillowTV is the designated channel, with coverage also accessible via the ESPN+ app.
- South Africa and the 52 Sub-Saharan Africa territories will witness the action on SuperSport and its app.
- In the UAE and the entire MENA region, all matches will be streamed live on STARZPLAY, with broadcast coverage available on CricLife MAX in the UAE.
