As the most-awaited cricketing event knocks the doors of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is all set to host the opening match of the ICC (International Cricket Council) Men’s Cricket World Cup.

A day before the thrilling opener between the 2019 World Cup champion England and New Zealand on Oct 5, the captains of the 10 participating teams will have a photoshoot with the World Cup trophy today at 1.00 p.m. in Ahmedabad.

The plans for an extravagant opening ceremony involving Bollywood stars have been dropped by the cricket authority. However, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, the global ambassador for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, will walk out with the Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy before the opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Oct 5, declaring the tournament open.

Without any special ceremony, the first match will set off between England and New Zealand on Oct 5 at 2.00 p.m.

Moreover, the New Zealand team will conduct a practice session today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., whereas England will practise between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Before the grand entry at Narendra Modi Stadium, the World Cup trophy made a pit stop at the world’s tallest Statue of Unity on Oct 3, two days before the opening match.

Extended metro times in Ahmedabad for cricket enthusiasts!

The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) announced the extension of the availability of city metros by three hours with more frequency during the match days.

Ahmedabad will host cricket matches on Oct 5, Oct 14, Nov 4, Nov 10, and the WC final on Nov 19.

In a press release, the GMRC said, “Presently, Metro Train services are operational in Ahmedabad from 6:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at a frequency of 12 minutes throughout the day.”

“On account of scheduled World Cup cricket matches at Narendra Modi Stadium, Moter, metro trains shall be available from 6.20 a.m. to 1.00 a.m.”

It also stated, “Please note that from 10:00 p.m. onwards, only exit gates will be opened at all the metro stations, and entry gates will be opened at Motera Stadium station and Sabarmati station only till the departure of the last train at 01:00 a.m. from Motera Stadium during the five days.”

Moreover, in order to facilitate commuters in avoiding the rush in purchasing tickets from Motera Stadium station for the return journey, the facility of the paper ticket is introduced, which can be purchased any time in the day for the return journey at ₹50 per head for the journey up to any station after 10 p.m. on the match day.

Traffic diversions for match days in Ahmedabad

To ensure smooth traffic movement, Ahmedabad police issued an advisory on Oct 3 for the five match days between 11 a.m. and 12 a.m.

The road from Janpath T to Motera main gate, Krupa Residency T to Motera T, will be closed.

Alternate route: 

Tapovan Circle to ONGC Char Rasta to Visat T to Janpath T to Powerhouse Char Rasta to Prabodh Raval Circle

Krupa Residency via Sharan Status Char Rasta via Koteshwar Road via Apollo Circle.

England and New Zealand players landed in Ahmedabad and headed to hotel accommodation on Oct 3.

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