The International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) starts today with a series of warm-up matches and will continue until April 28 when the finals take place in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Organisers have said that interest in this, the biggest sporting spectacle to visit the region, is growing by the minute. Last week, Delroy Taylor, projects manger in charge of ticketing, reported that a significant proportion of the 50,000 tickets sold in February were purchased through the regional outlets, an indication that Caribbean nationals are the ones gobbling up these tickets.

But, in the midst of the excitement, it is important to note that spectators may need to tone down on that uniquely West Indian way of watching cricket.

Sunset legislation

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 takes place under "sunset legislation" so described, as the rules remain in effect only for the duration of the tournament. The rules prohibit the admittance of certain items in cricket venues. Failure to comply could see you thrown out or even fined in court.

Do not attempt to:

Carry pot covers into the venue.

Walk with your own spirits - alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

Carry any glass, tins or plastic bottles (other than containers for medication, insect repellent or sun screen).

Carry any firearms, explosive, illegal drugs, big flags, pepper spray, knife, megaphone or flag poles.

Carry any small transistor radios with earphones.

Carry a collapsible umbrella or any large igloo or lunch boxes.

And if you wear the clothes of competing sponsors of the World Cup to the stadium, you may be turned back. If you are inside, you may be thrown out.