CAPE TOWN, Feb 7: Organisers of the 2003 cricket World Cup in South Africa expect to clear about 300 million rand ($35.5 million) from the event, which starts on Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony beamed live around the world.

World Cup executive director Ali Bacher said on Friday that the six-week tournament — which has so far drawn headlines mainly due to political tensions over co-host Zimbabwe — was shaping up to be a financial success.

“We expect a net surplus, which includes ticket revenue, of 300 million rand,” Bacher told a news conference.

“Financially, it is going to be more successful (than anticipated),” Bacher said.

Bacher said this year’s competition, the largest international sporting event ever staged in South Africa, would almost certainly surpass the earnings of the 1999 World Cup in Britain, which he said netted about £13m (about $21m at the time).

South Africa is eager to impress with its handling of the cricket World Cup — partly in the hope of boosting its chances for hosting the much larger soccer World Cup in 2010.

Bacher said organisers would divide the cricket profits among the various organisations and venues involved with World Cup events, including the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, which is expected to receive about 23 million rand ($2.7 million) for hosting six matches.

“We are all looking forward to cricket taking over, after tomorrow,” South Africa’s United Cricket Board President Percy Sonn said.

Thousands will gather on Saturday evening for an Olympic-style opening ceremony before Sunday’s first game.—Reuters