DHAKA: The opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 took place on Wednesday (May 29) at The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace in London.

4,000 fans sheltered under waterproof ponchos and umbrellas as they watched a fairly sedate presentation of captains, a 60-second cricket challenge and a performance of the official song.

Earlier, the captains of all 10 participating teams met Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom, at the palace.

Prior to the trophy unveiling, a round of two-a-side street cricket match was also played.

At the end, Australia's World Cup winning former captain Michael Clarke and former English spinner Graeme Swann unveiled the World Cup trophy to the crowd.

The ceremony came to end with the official World Cup song ''Stand By'' being performed by singer Loryn.

The first match of the 2019 World Cup will take place on Thursday (May 30) between the hosts England and South Africa.

With agency inputs

BDST: 1153 HRS, MAY 30, 2019
SI