DUBAI: Chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Dave Richardson has expressed his satisfaction with preparations for next year’s World Cup 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 venues and discussed a wide variety of logistical and operational matters with the local authorities.

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 2015 ICC World Cup board meeting in Wellington, which was also attended by 2015 World Cup chief executive John Harnden, World Cup head of New Zealand Therese Walsh, Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards, New Zealand Cricket board member Greg Barclay and Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

After the meetings, 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 ICC official added.

“The two countries possess outstanding playing facilities. Whilst there is some work still to be done at a 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,” he added.

Richardson had special words for 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 on Feb 14.”

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

“With 169 days remaining before the first ball is bowled and the final rounds of meetings and inspections having taken place, the focus is now on delivery. We understand how important World Cups are to the players and the fans and both the ICC and the LOC remain committed to ensuring the event lives up to its very high standards and expectations.”

Chris Tetley, ICC head of events, who led the inspection tour, said: “Australia and New Zealand possess a first class set of venues, which will be excellent hosts for the 2015 World Cup matches.

“Facilities are being improved with upgrades at a number of venues and these are on track. The focus is now to finalise operational plans with the LOC and each venue, and ensure these plans are executed and implemented to the highest of standards.”—Courtesy ICC

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...