The last time the showpiece 50-over tournament came calling on Australian shores, it was a remarkably different world. White cricket balls and coloured jerseys were introduced for the first time, Sachin Tendulkar vs Shane Warne duels were unheard of, South Africa were coming out of exile and . In 23 years since, a lot has changed but the sheer passion for the sport here has remained intact - a fact Melbourne and Christchurch will highlight in Thursday's opening ceremony. (Fixtures | Teams | Players | Venues | History)
One is a city of over four million while the other houses close to 400,000. Melbourne and Christchurch may be different in terms of demographics but the two cities are premier centers of culture and cricket in their respective countries and are determined to showcase the two. Indeed a night of revelry and party can be expected before the 14 teams, 210 players and billions of fans battle for the biggest prize in cricket. (Team India gets a rousing reception )
The trophy that every player and fan wants!
© ICC
What to expect in Melbourne?
From the razzmatazz of music and brilliance of fireworks to David Warner boxing a kangaroo - a symbol of Australia's symbol of sporting culture, Melbourne is ready and how. As a city, it has hosted spectacular ceremonies for� international sporting events in the past. The city of over four million was the first in the southern hemisphere to host the Olympics - in 1956.� More recently, it hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games and welcomes tennis and F1 superstars each year as well.
As such, many feel the red carpet for sportspersons is never really rolled back here. On Tuesday, it would be the turn of cricketers - both present and former - to walk under the spotlight. Adding to the festivities would be local artists -- pop star Jessica Hilda Mauboy, singers Tina Arena, Nathaniel and Daryl Braithwaite as well as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
What to expect in Christchurch?
Nearly 2400 kilometers away, the Kiwis are planning an equally spectacular show. Weathermen have predicted dismal weather but expect no gloom on the ground.
The event here will begin from 1830 hrs (local time, 11 AM IST) with roving entertainers and Kiwi cricket legends welcoming the world here. The main event - which begins from 2100 hrs local time- will put New Zealand's culture and love for cricket to the fore. (Also read: Security scare ahead of tournament )
The city also promises a dazzling display of fireworks - one that locals would not have witnessed here before. While alcohol is not permitted here, according to New Zealand's tourism website - an exciting party towards the end will end the grand event.
Ready, steady, go!
The opening ceremony for the previous edition of the World Cup - in Dhaka - was the most expensive in cricket's history at close to US $30 million. Australia and New Zealand are sparing no expense to topple that figure and leave the world spellbound. "The ICC Cricket World Cup is returning to Australia for the first time in 23 years and Melbourne is truly honoured to host the opening event," Victoria's minister for tourism and major events, John Eren, said.
While Melbourne Cricket Ground will host both the opening ceremony as well as the final on March 29, the other contests would be spread over 14 venues - seven each in Australia and New Zealand.
It is going to be a month and a half of hits, misses, emotions and celebrations. And before handing over the baton to England for the 2019 World Cup, Australia and New Zealand would look to set the bar higher than ever before.
As such, many feel the red carpet for sportspersons is never really rolled back here. On Tuesday, it would be the turn of cricketers – both present and former - to walk under the spotlight. Adding to the festivities would be local artists -- pop star Jessica Hilda Mauboy, singers Tina Arena, Nathaniel and Daryl Braithwaite as well as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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