Cricket World Cup kicks off in Melbourne

In a trans-Tasman ceremony, the ICC Cricket World Cup has been declared open.

Opening ceremony celebrations kicked off in Christchurch on Thursday before the baton was passed to Melbourne to continue the festivities.

Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards unveiled the cup, declaring "may the best team win".

"Australia and New Zealand are keen on-field cricket rivals, but there has been a strong trans-Tasman spirit in their joint venture helping to organise this Cricket World Cup over the last 10 years," he said.

Matches will be played in 14 host cities across the two countries over the next six weeks.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was an honour for Melbourne to host the opening ceremony.

Melbourne will also host the Australia v England match on Saturday, the first World Cup game to to be played on Australian soil in 29 years.

"This is going to be a fantastic event where we'll see fierce competition and great sportsmanship - after all, that's what the great game of cricket is all about," Mr Andrews said.