'Match to dikhaoge na' - Fans react as official broadcasters say no plans to telecast pre-match ceremony ahead of India vs Pakistan match

the Indian Cricket Board invited renowned Bollywood singers like Arijit Singh, Daler Mehndi, Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Neha Kakkar, and Darshan Raval to perform at the event.

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Sarah Andrew
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India vs Pakistan

India vs Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

Before the India vs. Pakistan match, fans expressed disappointment with the official broadcaster's decision. As the Indian Cricket Board had planned a grand musical ceremony before the game, fans were eagerly anticipating its live telecast. However, the official broadcaster, Star Sports, clarified on Twitter that they would not air the event.

According to Star Sports, the ceremony was exclusively for the in-stadium audience; hence, they decided not to broadcast it. In their press release, they stated, "The ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium before match 12 of the ODI World Cup 2023 has been planned for in-stand fans. The ceremony is not for broadcast. However, we have you covered for the restβ€”the match, the highlights, and everything in between!"

Notably, the Indian Cricket Board invited renowned Bollywood singers like Arijit Singh, Daler Mehndi, Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Neha Kakkar, and Darshan Raval to perform at the event. Several celebrities, including Anushka Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sachin Tendulkar, were expected to attend the game as well.

Why is there no opening ceremony for the World Cup?

Earlier, the decision not to hold an opening ceremony for the prestigious ODI World Cup 2023 drew the attention of fans. It's the first time in 48 years that the event commenced without an opening ceremony. However, the focus on the musical event during India vs. Pakistan match has drawn criticism from fans and former cricketers for excessively highlighting the significance of just two teams.

Additionally, some fans have accused the Indian Cricket Board of extending special treatment to the Pakistan Cricket Team, expressing discontent over what they perceive as a lack of recognition for Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. Despite these concerns, a record number of people are expected to attend the much-anticipated match.

Here is how fans react to the decision of the official broadcasters:

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