It's the nation's largest travelling billboard. It's a spectacle, a colossal truck sprayed in the colours and logos of its sponsors, that will be winding its way through towns and cities followed by floats and bands.

The truck, previously know as South African Breweries' "gig-rig", is a completely fitted stage. Now it has been taken over by the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 organisers as part of their roadshow awareness campaign. It's now named the Dazzlemobile, and has already sparked huge interest. Jos Charle, communications director for the World Cup, said the Dazzlemobile was so large that special travel arrangements had to be made for it.

The Dazzlemobile will provide entertainment by local musicians Kabelo from TKZ, P J Powers, Lebo Mathosa of Boom Shaka fame and Pop Idols' star Heinz Winkler. There will also be acts from comedians "Ashifa" Shabba and Krijay Govender and appearances by local sports stars as the Dazzlemobile makes its way through nine of the country's major cities.

The Dazzlemobile sets off from Nelspruit on Wednesday and will make its way through Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Port Elizabeth to end up in Cape Town on February 7, the day before the World Cup opening ceremonies.

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Kenya's 38-year-old former captain, Asif Karim has emerged from retirement to be included in their 15-man squad for the World Cup.

Karim quit after the 1999 tournament in England, along with Alpesh Vadher, who has also made a comeback.

Bangladesh have opted for youth over experience, and have overlooked three former captains for their World Cup squad.

Naimur Rahman, Akram Khan and Aminul Islam all missed the cut, while the promising young fast bowler, Mashrafee-bin-Mortoza, was recalled following a shoulder injury.

Cool-boxes, beach umbrellas, deckchairs and beverages ... all have been banned from grounds during the World Cup next year, according to the Cape Times. Instead, reasonably priced food, free water, braais and umbrellas will be made available. The ban was part of World Cup security measures to be tested from Wednesday, at the first ODI between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Wanderers.