The tournament starts on 14 February, with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand taking on England and Sri Lanka respectively, while the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the final on 29 March.

“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,” said ICC President Alan Isaac said.

“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.”

“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.”

Defending champions India are grouped with Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and one other qualifying team, while Australia and New Zealand are pooled with Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and two other qualifiers.

Looking ahead to the tournament, India captain Mahendra Singh 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. 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,” Dhoni said.

India’s full fixture list:

India vs Pakistan at Adelaide (February 15)

India vs South Africa at Melbourne (February 22)

India vs Qualifier 4 at Perth (February 28)

India vs West Indies at Perth (March 6)

India vs Ireland at Hamilton (March 10)

India vs Zimbabwe at Auckland (March 14)

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