Let us have a party, come and make noise: ICC

St Peters, Antigua, Mar 31 (UNI) Under pressure ICC today sent an urgent SOS to the musicians and merry-makers, to ''bring in the noise'' for Cricket World Cup 2007 matches.

ICC, under flak for putting up high price tickets and too many restrictions, which have led to virtual boycott of the matches by the local people, in a desperate move has urged the people to throng the stadiums and other cricket lovers to join the party to enliven the World Cup by bringing in the noise.

Roundly criticised by the media and games supporters for being too much intrusive in the World Cup, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said, ''We want the Caribbean atmosphere to be here.'' ''We don't seek to take the West Indian flavour out of it. We want to hear that noise. We want to hear that enthusiasm.'' He said musicians are permitted to bring traditional (conch shells, shak shaks etc.) or other instruments into CWC stadia once they have been granted permission by the relevant Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Here at Sir Vivian Richard Ground, members of Chicky Hi Fi Band were allowed to display their wares before a modest crowd.

''The measures that have been introduced are security measures and they are common for major sporting events all around the world.

You would find very similar requirements,'' he said listing various tournaments, such as the upcoming Masters golf championships, at which similar regulations would be in effect.

''I was invited to perform by the LOC. I have been performing for last 27 years at cricket ground so I had to be here for Cricket World Cup,'' said Nigel Baptiste also known as Chicky Hi Fi.

UNI