Cricket World Cup 2003 - Broadcast Opening Sequence
Copyright (c) 2003 International Cricket Council
The tournament visits the African continent for the first time in its history as South Africa leads alongside Kenya and Zimbabwe in hosting the 8th Cricket World Cup held from 9 February to 23 March 2003.
Yet, the 2003 Cup was remembered for various controversies. England and New Zealand refused to play their respective matches in Zimbabwe and Kenya, citing security fears, and the matches were eventually awarded to host teams. The political situation in Zimbabwe and atrocities of the Robert Mugabe regime were brought to the fore, most emphatically by Andy Flower and Henry Olonga who wore black arm bands during a match to protest Mugabe’s authoritarian regime. Additionally, Shane Warne tested positive in a drug test, a day before Australia’s first match, and a few Indian players had to battle sponsorship issues back home before making it to the final World Cup squad.
The edition tournament featured 14 teams, the largest number in the World Cup's history at the time, playing a total of 54 matches. It followed the format introduced in the 1999 edition, with the teams divided into two groups, and the top three in each group qualifying for the Super Sixes stage.
By 2003, Australia were at the height of their powers and the World Cup proved a cakewalk for a champion side. The reigns had been handed over from Steve Waugh to Ricky Ponting, and this unit won all of their 13 matches as they cruised themselves to their successful World Cup title defense (and their third crown overall) after dispatching India in the final by 125 runs.
From an African perspective, it was disappointing that neither of the two hosts, South Africa and Zimbabwe, have qualified beyond the first round. South Africa, hosting their first international sports competition since the 1995 Rugby World Cup, were utterly disappointing; the Proteas lost their opening match – which included a splendid century from Brian Lara – by three runs, paying the price for a slow over rate, and remained dogged by inconsistency until Mark Boucher suffered a mind-block in a rain-affected match against Sri Lanka.
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