The top four teams from each pool progressed to the knockout stage, which consisted of quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.

Considerable merits of the bid included the superior venues and infrastructure, and the total support of the Australian and New Zealand governments on tax and custom issues during the tournament, according to Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

Bindra, chairman of the monitoring committee of the Asian bid, denied that, saying that it was their promise of extra profits of US$400 million that swung the vote their way.

[9] The ICC was so impressed by the efficiency of the Trans-Tasman bid that they decided to award the next World Cup, to be held in 2015, to them.

The tournament featured 14 teams, the same number as the 2011 World Cup, giving associate and affiliate member nations a chance to participate.

Immediately after the 2011 World Cup, it was decided that the next tournament would be reduced to only feature the 10 full members.

The top two teams of the 2011–13 ICC World Cricket League Championship qualify directly.

[17][18] On 9 July 2013, as a result of a tied match against the Netherlands, Ireland became the first country to qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

[19] On 4 October 2013, Afghanistan qualified for their first Cricket World Cup after beating Kenya to finish in second place behind Ireland.

According to Strong, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) wants to make the tournament the most fan-friendly event of its kind and take cricket to a wide range of communities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

[34][35] The semi-final, Australia–India, had a higher average rating in India, 15.0%,[5] but no 2015 match surpassed the 2011 Final among Indian viewers.

[36] Broadcaster Star Sports claimed that its coverage reached 635 million viewers in India.

[38][dubious – discuss] The following networks broadcast the tournament:[39] The opening ceremonies were held separately in Christchurch, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia, on 12 February 2015, two days before the first two matches.

The International Cricket Council declared a total prize money pool of $10 million for the tournament, which was 20 percent more than the 2011 edition.

Since Sri Lanka, the next highest ranked team, progressed to the quarter-finals, they played in Sydney.