It’s officially OPEN! Undoubtedly the biggest extravaganza of cricket, the ICC World Cup 2015 was declared open at a glittering opening ceremony in Christchurch, which kickstarted with a warm induction of debutants Afghanistan into the World Cup fold. As colourful and musical as it promised to be, the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup 2015 enthralled the spectators so much, that no one budged an inch.
Hagley Park was decked up in festivity as Australia and New Zealand kickstarted their stint as World Cup hosts after 23 years, a lone bagpiper beginning the proceedings ahead of the cut throat competition that is to follow in the month-and-a half to come. The opening ceremony also paid tribute to the 185 people who lost their lives to a devastating earthquake that ripped through the city in 2011.
Among the dignitaries present in the ceremony, apart from the captains, teams and officials were John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mayor Leanne Dalziell, International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson unveiled the Cricket World Cup trophy.
John Key said the earthquake robbed Christchurch of the chance of hosting the Rugby World Cup and it was “only fitting” that it should be chosen to host the opening of the Cricket World Cup. He said the opening ceremony was a way of telling the world that Christchurch is “back in business.”
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who became a proud father of a baby daughter recently, and his Pakistani counterpart Misbah-ul-Haq were seen clicking pictures together.
The ceremony saw bewitching performances. Teams had their own themes presented and it started off with Bangladeshi performers crooning “Chalo Bangladeshâ€, followed by English performers who put up a ballet performance. The Indian contingent gyrated to a Bollywood number, while an Irish band by the name Seoirse kept the spectators glued to their seats.
Jazba-E-Junoon by the Pakistani troupe, Highland Pipe band and Celtic Dancers Band from Scotland, Drum Circle Events from South Africa, a scintillating performance from the Sri Lankan artists, Gandhi creations of UAE and West Indies’ Carbivic Angosutra Band  made sure that they gave the audience what they came for. After Australia and New Zealand finished their performances, the skippers of all the sides walked on to the stage, before Premier of Victoria, Former Australia cricketer and current ICC board member Wally Edwards delivered their welcome addresses.
With the grand opening ceremony setting the tone to the rest of the series, it is left for time to tell which team will outclass the rest of the contenders and fly away with the coveted silverware.