Cricket World Cup organisers on Thursday began a 365-day countdown to matches being played next year in New Zealand.
Nelson is one of 7 New Zealand cities hosting World Cup matches. Photo: RNZ
The country will host 23 games, including a quarter final and semi-final, and ceremonies were held in the seven New Zealand cities hosting games. Australia will host a total of 29 matches.
Martin Crowe, who captained the New Zealand side the last time the World Cup was on our shores in 1992, said it was an exciting moment.
"A year to go it's pretty cool isn't it? And to think the New Zealand team is doing great and are starting to turn people's heads, and a whole year to build up to a great event"
Former New Zealand bowler Gavin Larsen said it's great to see New Zealand get such a high number of matches.
He said Wellington getting a quarter-final and Auckland getting a semi-final was a great result for New Zealand.
Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand's highest wicket-taker in test matches, said Black Caps fans could look forward to the World Cup with anticipation.
"Based on current form you've got to say we can look forward with a great deal of optimism, having beaten the West Indies and India and playing a good brand of cricket. There's some new guys on the scene and doing well. There's competition for places which means there's some depth."
Marking the countdown in Wellington were, left to right, Head of 2015 Cricket World Cup NZ Therese Walsh, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, and former cricketers Martin Crowe, Sir Richard Hadlee, Sunil Gavaskar, Gavin Larsen and Dean Jones. Photo: RNZ
As well as the big cities, smaller centres such as Nelson and Napier will also host some games next year. Nelson mayor Paul Matheson said an event like the Cricket World Cup would help put Nelson on the map.
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the event would bring in a large number of tourists to the Hawkes Bay region.
Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin will also host games next year.
