Richardson pleased with ICC World Cup 2015 preparations

Dubai, Aug 28 (IANS) International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson Thursday expressed his satisfaction with preparations for World Cup 2015 after receiving detailed updates in Wellington and Melbourne this week.

The briefings and presentations took place in the two host cities from Aug 25 to 27, and followed venue inspections in which the ICC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) assessed the 14 tournament stadia and discussed a wide variety of logistical and operational matters with the local authorities, said an ICC release.

In the three-day meetings, Richardson received updates on various aspects of event management, including match and non-match day venue operations, safety and security, ticketing and marketing, hospitality, status of construction work at various grounds, preparations being made by the host cities, media and broadcast operations, event legacy programmes, and PR and community engagement.

Richardson also attended the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Board meeting in Wellington, which was also attended by World Cup Chief Executive, John Harnden, World Cup Head of New Zealand, Therese Walsh, Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman, Wally Edwards, New Zealand Cricket Board member, Greg Barclay, and CA Chief Executive, James Sutherland.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Richardson said: “The updates I have received from these meetings give us great confidence that we are on track to deliver a really memorable event."

“There is tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation amongst the LOC staff and no stone is being left unturned to ensure the teams, officials, sponsors and media are warmly received and enjoy a great experience during the ICC’s flagship ODI event."

“For fans in Australia and New Zealand, this is once in a generation opportunity for them to see a galaxy of modern day stars battle out for the ultimate prize in cricket.

“The two countries possess outstanding playing facilities. Whilst there is some work still to be done in few venues to enhance the existing infrastructure and facilities, all these projects have the support and backing of the local states and councils and we are confident that the work will be completed before the start of their domestic international cricket seasons.”

Richardson had special words for the city of Christchurch, which is recovering from the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and will be hosting three matches, including the tournament opener.

“Christchurch is at the heart of sport activities in New Zealand. It has gone through some difficult times following the earthquakes but the city’s resilience and the developments at Hagley Oval are fantastic to see.

“We look forward to the return of international cricket to Christchurch for the opening match Feb 14.”

Richardson said the event had now entered the delivery phase and there was no room for complacency.

A total of 49 matches will be played across 14 venues, seven in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney) and seven in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and Wellington).