Christchurch's World Cup hosting chances improve

Christchurch's chances of hosting the first match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup have been boosted by the decision of a New Zealand court to conditionally approve development of a new international stadium in the earthquake-stricken city.

New Zealand's Environment Court on Wednesday allowed Cricket Canterbury to begin construction of a stadium which will host the opening ceremony and following match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka plus two other games.

The stadium will be built in Hagley Park, the large green space in central Christchurch which for more than 100 years has been protected from commercial development.