2015 edition most followed cricket World Cup: ICC

Melbourne, March 28 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday said that the 2015 World Cup has been the most followed and attended event in cricketing history.

"This World Cup has been the most followed and best attended cricket event in history. All over the world, hundreds of millions of fans have been enthralled by the quality of cricket on show, the exploits of the world's top players and the colour of the festival across both host nations," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

"We are delighted with how the tournament has gone so far. It is a tribute to the hard work of many people and the way the teams have delivered on the field. It has been great to see so many travelling fans from all competing teams but the way the people of Australia and New Zealand have embraced the event so wholeheartedly has been extremely gratifying and enhances their countries' reputations as great sporting nations."

This is the second time, ICC's showpiece tournament is being held at the Antipodes after 1992 when Pakistan defeated England to win their one and only World Cup.

"With nearly 1,400 members of the media attending the event, it's fair to say that, all in all, the cricket-loving public around the world have been very well served. We now look forward to a fitting finale on March 29. Hopefully, another special occasion for the game."

The two co-hosts -- Australia and New Zealand -- will clash in the mega final to be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday.