Champions League kicks off with dazzling opening ceremony
Bangalore: The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 cricket extravaganza started with a dazzling opening ceremony at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium here Thursday.
For the next 15 days, twelve teams drawn from hosts India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago will compete in cricket's first ever international club tournament.
Some of game's big names will turn out in their club jerseys in the whopping $6 million prize money event.
"It is an incredible moment. I hope Champions League helps the game to grow," champions league commissioner Lalit Modi said to the roar of a near packed stadium.
Captains of the participating teams gave prints of their hands in clay, exchanged flags and took the "MCC-Spirit of Cricket" oath.
A host of international artists then showcased their art followed by a laser show.
Shaolin monks from China performed moves of Tai Chi, Kung Fu and Chi Kung martial arts along with Kalaripayattu artists.
British singer-model Jamelia and Reggae singer Shaggy enthralled the crowd with their performance. The opening ceremony ended with fireworks display that lit the Bangalore sky.
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