There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the programme that began with four giant games of backyard cricket, played by 80 school children. Huge crowds cheered the white-clad kids. The event also witnessed traditional Sri Lankan dancing, followed by a performances from Scottish bagpipers, and Bollywood and Irish dancers. Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said the city had been “waiting for a very long time” to return to the global stage.
Skipper McCullum got the loudest cheers when he went up to the stage. The programme concluded with a massive fireworks display in Christchurch. Co-hosts New Zealand take on Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval ground in the first match of the 14-nation tournament here Feb 14. Australia take on England on the same day in Melbourne.
A similar ceremony took place at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl to declare the tournament open in Australia.
Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Wally Edwards unveiled the World Cup. “Australia and New Zealand are keen on-field cricket rivals, but there has been a strong trans-Tasman spirit in their joint venture helping to organise this Cricket World Cup over the last 10 years,” he said. Matches will be played in 14 host cities across the two countries over the next six weeks. (IANS)