Festivities and fireworks open Cricket World Cup 2015

CHRISTCHURCH (Web Desk) -- The opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 saw an amalgam of rich cultural show as well as showcasing of cricket talent as the cricketing community’s biggest event at global stage kicked off at Christchurch today (Thursday).
Spectators numbering in tens of thousands flocked at Hagley Park, Christchurch to watch the spectacular display of fireworks that went underway as the opening ceremony kicked off.
Christchurch was on the receiving end of devastation when an earthquake hit the area in 2011. The opening ceremony took place not too far from the City Centre which had been demolished by the calamity.
The scene that greeted the visitors and supporters who had come to New Zealand from across the globe, however, was a far cry from the unfortunate incident that occurred 4 years ago. The sheer color and conviviality threw a vibe of celebration all around the stadium as Maori performers and cricketing celebrities came together to mark the starting of the World Cup.
The 14 teams that feature in this ODI World Cup also took to the stage as the Prime Minister of New Zealand gave his speech to inaugurate the World Cup ceremony. Several other celebrities also attended the event which includes Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and fashion designer Trelise Cooper.
The Proteas skipper, de Villiers told fans that while the Proteas had never won the silverware in the past but "we re as well prepared as we can be and we look forward to taking the trophy home".
Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza, whose side plays South Africa in its opening match this Sunday, said "the good thing about this tournament is the team that plays the best cricket on the day will win the match".