Srinivasan hails World Cup as most popular ever

Hailing the just-concluded World cup as the most popular in cricket's history, ICC Chairman N Srinivasan today said the event's success has proved that the ODI format is in good health.

Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the summit clash yesterday in front of over 93,000 spectators at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mr Srinivasan said the ICC was delighted with the manner in which the game's pinnacle 50-over event was hosted and delivered.

"On behalf of the ICC, I would like to firstly congratulate Australia on its fifth ICC Cricket World Cup win. Australia displayed great tenacity, skill levels and consistency throughout the tournament and are worthy winners," Srinivasan said in a statement.

"It was a wonderful event with many thrilling highs and magic moments, which will live long in the memory. Australia has set a new benchmark for limited overs cricket and our congratulations to them, and indeed all of the competing teams, which produced excellent cricket over the past seven weeks and thoroughly entertained the followers of the game worldwide," he added.

Srinivasan praised co-hosts Australia and New Zealand for putting up a grand show.

"It is not an easy task hosting an event of this scale and I would like to extend my special thanks to the ICC staff as well as Local Organising Committee Chairman Ralph Waters, CEO John Harnden, Head of New Zealand Therese Walsh and the rest of the team who worked extremely hard across both host countries over the last three years to ensure the delivery of a truly world-class tournament.