The inaugural edition of the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 tournament kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony marked by laser shows and musical performances by reputed international stars at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
in Bangalore on Thursday.
Reggae singer Shaggy, Grammy winner Chaka Khan, British pop star Jamelia and Shaolin monks from China set alight the star-studded opening ceremony as thousands of spectators thronged the stadium to have a glimpse of the spectacle.
The proceeding started with skippers of the twelve participating teams exchanging flags and taking the "MCC -Spirit of Cricket" before leaving their handprints in clay, as an attestation to play the game within the spirit of cricket.
{{/usCountry}}The proceeding started with skippers of the twelve participating teams exchanging flags and taking the "MCC -Spirit of Cricket" before leaving their handprints in clay, as an attestation to play the game within the spirit of cricket.
{{/usCountry}}"It is an incredible moment. I hope this champions league helps the game to grow and expand. The birth of this new concept could not have been possible without the support of the different Cricket Boards," Champions League Commissioner Lalit Modi said.
After the inaugural speech, twelve world-renowned Japanese drummers took centrestage, followed by international dancers in Michelle Ferranti costumes.