The greatest of all cricketing icons, the Rt. Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, will officially open ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Acknowledged throughout cricketing history as the sport’s most accomplished player, the 70-year-old has graciously accepted an invitation from ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc. to welcome the world to the tournament at the Opening Ceremony in ten days.

Sir Garry – as he is familiarly known – was nominated by the Government and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Jamaica, who are spearheading the Opening Ceremony’s organisation, and their suggestion was enthusiastically received by the rest of the CWC hierarchy.

“They were of the view that this signal honour is befitting of the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen and it was eagerly endorsed by the CWC Board and all of the other LOCs,” explained ICC CWC 2007 Managing Director & CEO, Chris Dehring.

“It is a privilege and honour for us to have one of the pillars of West Indies cricket, who is revered the world over, declare this momentous event open in front of all of the Caribbean and a global television audience. It is because of legends like Sir Garry that we today have the opportunity to host this Event.”

Jamaica LOC CEO, Robert Bryan, noted that Sir Garry is the embodiment of everything that cricket means to the region and therefore an obvious choice for this stellar moment.

“Quite simply, he is the best of the best and, in keeping with CWC’s theme of hosting the ‘Best Cricket World Cup Ever’, his was an automatic and unanimous selection,” said Bryan.

Stephen Alleyne, CEO of the Barbados LOC, echoed similar sentiments, stating: “I think the entire Caribbean, in fact the entire world, would agree that the most appropriate person to open the Caribbean’s greatest endeavour would be the Caribbean’s – and in fact the world’s – greatest ever cricketer.”

Reacting to the invitation, Sir Garry said he is humbled and feels privileged to have been recognised in this unique manner.

“It is a great honour to declare the Cricket World Cup open. I’m taking it in stride and I’m looking forward to the occasion,” he said, speaking from his home in Barbados.

A left-handed all-rounder who, in his prime, was equally lethal with bat and ball as well as an excellent fielder, the former West Indies skipper admitted that he is “excited” that cricket’s showpiece event is coming to the region.

“It will be phenomenal for the Caribbean, especially for those persons who haven’t had the opportunity to see a Cricket World Cup. It will be a fantastic experience.”