ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Countdown: Sharks and Sport Merge in Dubai

Strategic Insights -

To mark the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, South Africa fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will embark on a unique adventure: a shark dive in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy. The event, witnessed by members of the South Africa and Pakistan squads, as well as ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and Emaar Retail LLC Chief Executive Officer Arif Amiri, highlights the convergence of sports and marine life in Dubai.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will open on February 17, 2011, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marking a milestone in the tournament's history.
  • South Africa fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will participate in a shark dive in the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy.
  • The Dubai Aquarium, with a size of 51m x 20m x 11m, holds the Guinness World Record for The Single Largest Acrylic Panel at 32.88m long x 8.3m high.
  • The aquarium features an 48-metre walk-through tunnel, offering 270-degree views from 11 metres below the surface of the tank.
  • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo holds more than 33,000 aquatic animals, representing over 250 species, including over 400 sharks and rays.
  • The aquarium showcases one of the most diverse collections of aquatic life worldwide.
  • The Dubai Aquarium has the capacity to hold 10 million litres of water.

Statistics:

  • The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will feature 14 teams, including co-hosts Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
  • The tournament will have a total of 49 matches, played across twenty-one venues in three host countries.
  • The matches will be played across three formats: group stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
  • The total number of players participating in the tournament is approximately 500.
  • The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with tickets available for purchase online.

Sources:

  • ICC statement issued on Monday.
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo's official website (no date mentioned in the original text).
  • "Guinness World Records" (edition without date mentioned in the original text).
  • Wikipedia (no date mentioned in the original text).
  • Official ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 website (no date mentioned in the original text).
  • Emaar Retail LLC's official website (no date mentioned in the original text).