Akki, rani, Kareena, Bipasha to perform

Organisers behind the six-week long Indian Premier League cricket fest have saved the best for last. Film stars Akshay Kumar, Rani Mukherjee, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor and choreographer Shiamak Davar will all be part of the 75-minute grand finale which celebrates cricket and pays tribute to South Africa, the host country.

South African-born Etienne de Villiers, senior adviser to IPL boss Lalit Modi, said he was hoping for a "moving and emotional" show to signify the end of a successful tournament. "A closing ceremony should always leave a lump in one's throat. It should be an opportunity to reflect on what people have seen and build on some of the things that have been important to that event."

The show, which takes place immediately after the final match next Sunday, has an opening sequence that involves 750 people.

Up to 2 000 floating lanterns will be released into the air and fans will be able to rock to performances by reggae musician Eddie Grant and Idols winners Jason Hartman and Sasha-Lee Davids.

To honour both countries — India where the tournament originated, and South Africa, this year's hosts — there will be a drumming session featuring local and Indian drummers.

De Villiers, who previously served in executive positions at The Walt Disney Company and was chairman of BBC Worldwide, said the 16 Miss Bollywood finalists chosen by the public (voting closes tomorrow at 6pm) will also be at the show.

Other highlights will be a three-minute laser show and a pyrotechnics display to end off the night.

"It's going to be an acknowledgement of the role that South Africa has played in the success of the IPL," said De Villiers.