Christchurch, Feb 12 (IANS) The 2015 cricket World Cup was declared open here Thursday after a two-hour extravaganza featuring 1,000 performers, including past and present New Zealand cricketers and some of the country's top musicians.
The high-budget show was beamed live to 2.5 billion people across more than 220 countries and opened the sport's showpiece tournament in style.
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.
It is one of the city's first major events since the devastating earthquake that struck three years ago and resulted in Christchurch losing its hosting rights for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Kiwi music stars Ginny Blackmore, band Sole Mio, Hayley Westenra, the New Zealand Army Band all wowed the crowd with their energetic performances.
The show also comprised cultural performances and guest appearances by New Zealand cricket legends Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, and current captain Brendon McCullum.
Skipper McCullum got the loudest cheers when he went up to the stage.
The programme concluded with a massive fireworks display here.
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.
University education for girls has been completely banned in Afghanistan. A day later, Higher Edu
Human trial of India's first corona vaccine begins in Nims, Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) together with Bharat Biotech has prepar
The CBI has once again stepped up the investigation in the Narada case of Bengal. The investigati
Romantic comedy films have always been considered the key to success in Hindi cinema. A new name
CBSE 12th Result: CBSE Class 12th results may come by this date, know how to check
CBSE 12th Result 2022: Board examinations of classes X and XII have now been successfully conduct
Enemies are not well: 'Israeli Brahmastra' will keep a close eye on China, India gets Heron drone
After a delay of a few months due to the Corona epidemic, now once again the effort has started t
Next Spider-Man won't be white?
Los Angeles, Feb 25 (IANS) The upcoming Spider-Man movie will reportedly feature an African-Ame
On Tuesday, the number of corona patients in the country crossed 37 lakh. So far 37 lakh 66 thous
In the last 10 years, there has been an unexpected demographic change in the districts bordering
Today is the 14th day of the farmers' agitation against agricultural laws. The government has sen
