Chief Executive David Richardson has expressed satisfaction with preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after receiving detailed updates in Melbourne and Wellington this week.
The briefings and presentations took place in the two host cities from August 25 to 27 followed by 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.
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 World Cup 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 Chairman, Wally Edwards, New Zealand Cricket Board member, Greg Barclay, and Cricket Australia Chief Executive, James Sutherland.
At the conclusion of 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 among 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.”
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.
