CAPE TOWN, Feb 8: South African president Thabo Mbeki on Saturday opened the 2003 cricket World Cup in front of a 25,000 crowd packed inside the famous Newlands ground.

“This eighth World Cup is the biggest ever. Together we will make it the best ever,” promised Mbeki.

“...This tournament is about peace, it is about strengthening friendship.

“You players have come to us as messengers of peace, not war. You come as representatives of the movement of friendship. You come to us regardless of colour, race or creed.

“I have great pleasure in officially declaring the eighth World Cup open. Let the games begin.”—AFP