Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident to retain World Cup Trophy

India’s World Cup title defence in 2015 is set to begin against arch rivals Pakistan and Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident that his side can stand up to the challenge. "Our recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 has provided the team with a lot of confidence, and I am sure this experience will help us in our preparations for the World Cup in 2015." (Also Read: ICC World Cup 2015 Fixtures: India to face Pakistan in opener)

Reminiscing about his side’s 2011 World Cup triumph, Dhoni said, “"It only seems like yesterday that we won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in front of a passionate and supportive home crowd. World Cup is a very special event for every cricketer because it only takes place every four years. Having tasted success in Mumbai in 2011, we'll be working very hard to retain it. I'm keenly looking forward to the tournament and confident that we'll do well." (Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 broadcast List)

Alastair Cook, who led his side to the final in the ICC Champions trophy 2013, expressed his side’s eagerness to participate in the 2015 World Cup and pointed out the England are rising steadily  in the 50-over format. "We have been improving steadily as a one-day side in recent years and are very much looking forward to the challenge of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. We will be working hard in the coming months to ensure we give ourselves the best possible opportunity to go one step further in 2015.” Talking about Australia and New Zealand hosting the tournament, Cook said, “"Playing cricket in Australia and New Zealand is always a fantastic experience and I have no doubt it will be another great occasion both for the teams and their supporters." 

At the launch event of the 2015 World Cup in Wellington, ICC President Alan Isaac spoke about the global appeal of the tournament. "I'm delighted to be part of this historic occasion as today we officially start the countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, an event that, over the past 40 years, has become a truly global event. ICC events have established a unique place in the cricket calendar, and, as we've seen at our most recent events in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, players, sponsors, media, fans and supporters from all around the world want to be part of the spectacle," Isaac said. 

"Sport is synonymous with life in Australia and New Zealand, and both countries boast some of the best facilities in the world. With the World Cup returning to these shores for the first time since 1992, I am sure it will be an event to remember," Isaac added.

 ICC Chief Executive David Richardson who attended the launch in Melbourne reinforced Isaac’s views by saying, "The ICC Cricket World Cup is the flagship tournament of the 50-over game. The 2015 tournament will mark 40 years since the first World Cup in 1975 and that history of great contests and heroes helps make the tournament what it is - the most sought after prize in our increasingly global game."  Richardson also stated that the event would strengthen the 50 over format, "The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be returning to Australia and New Zealand after 23 years and will be staged at the back of two outstanding 50-over ICC events - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013. I'm absolutely confident that the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will further strengthen the status of 50-over cricket as a successful and viable format alongside Tests and Twenty20 Internationals." 

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum appears to be quite happy with the draws and believes his side can do well in the group stage. "We've had recent success over both Sri Lanka and England in one dayers so to face them and a qualifying team in the first three matches is certainly an encouraging draw for us.”

Talking about playing in front of the home crowd, McCullum put the focus on Christchurch, “"It'll also be a special occasion to open the tournament in Christchurch, where I now live, after everything the city has gone through." 

John Harnden, Chief Executive of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee, said that he wanted as many fans as possible to be part of this rare event. 

"This tournament is about the best teams, the best players and their endurance and skills that will see only the best left standing. We want as many fans as possible to be a part of this rare event," Harnden said. "Australia and New Zealand have diverse communities who are passionate about their heritage and very passionate about cricket. We'll be working hard in local communities to ensure they can follow their teams, attend matches and play a part in the event in 2015." 

"The result is a great one for cricket and fans for both countries. We have every team playing in both countries, equal number of host cities and pool games. This will be a summer that inspires young cricketers and provides lasting memories," he added.