CRICKET// The 11th edition of ICC Cricket World Cup was officially declared open on February 12 with a two-act opening at the Hagley Park in New Zealand’s Christchurch and Australia’s Melbourne. The vibrant and quirky ceremony began with a lone bagpiper and ended with a booming fireworks display — the biggest in the cities’ history. The event was a wonderful mix of culture and traditions of host nations Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the devastating earthquake in 2011 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 added that the opening ceremony was a way of telling the world that Christchurch is “back in business.” ICC Chief Executive David Richardson unveiled the Cricket World Cup trophy, saying it was a symbol of the ICC’s values of excellence, integrity and inclusion.