While the cycle rickshaw brought the Mascot "Stumpy" into the Stadium, fourteen captains rode around the arena in cycle-rickshaws as the ICC cricket World Cup got off to a rousing start on Thursday evening, at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh showcasing the diverse cultures of the three South Asian neighbours co-hosting the mega event.
In a nation where rickshaws continue to be the most popular mode of conveyance, it is Bangladesh's way of fusing tradition with modernity.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared the tournament open by placing her hand on a palm scanner which triggered off a high-voltage fireworks display much to the over whelming joy of around 25,000 spectators at the packed Bangabandhu Stadium.
"Bangladesh felt privileged to co-host the big event and I hope the mega event would help strengthen fraternal ties between the cricketing countries" said Hasian.
ICC president Sharad Pawar called it a "historic" day and said the tournament would be ever etched in the memory of the people
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is the tenth Cricket World Cup and will be hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It is the first time Bangladesh is co-hosting a Cricket World Cup.
The stadium got bathed in yellow light, as Australian captain Ricky Ponting was the first to arrive on a colourful and embellished rickshaw that was brightly illuminated in white light.
The other captains then followed in an alphabetical order, with the flag of their nations fluttering from each vehicle.
Each of the co-hosts then gave a presentation on their rich and diverse culture. Indian artistes showcased various festivals including the Holi as the popular song Rang De Basanti played in the background. The performers also formed a diya.
The Sri Lankan artists created a sea in the center of the arena as the island nation was projected as the pearl of the Indian ocean.
The Bangladesh presentation depicted the war of liberation, as a taped video speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding father, was played.
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