No national anthems during World Cup

World Cup organisers today confirmed that national anthems will not be played during the World Cup competitions.

Event manager Michael Browning said the idea was to provide a carnival atmosphere, and break away from the old way of doing things.

"National anthems are all very well for other events but not this World Cup. The players just want to get on with the game, and anthems are part of old cricket and this tournament is all about new cricket," Browning said.

Interestingly, however, anthems of the two finalists will be played on June 20 at Lords' -- because the Queen will be present. Some things, evidently, don't admit of modernisation.