Christchurch cricket officials are holding their breath, hopeful the opening match of the 2015 World Cup won’t be snatched away just days after it was awarded to the earthquake-struck city.

A highlight of the tournament schedule unveiled on Tuesday was the allocation of three pool games to Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, including the opener on February 14 between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

However, they are subject to a ruling from the Environment Court, which must approve the upgrade of a pavilion, a 2.2m high grass bank and floodlights at the picturesque public park in the central city.

There are objections to the expansion of a ground which was used for first class cricket this year but is not developed enough to host international matches.

Critics point to the negative environmental impact and at funding priorities elsewhere in the damaged city.

Canterbury Cricket chief executive Lee Germon welcomed the draw but was wary of celebrating until cleared to proceed with the upgrade.

A court decision is scheduled for August 9.

Christchurch was robbed of its host duties for the 2011 Rugby World Cup due to damage caused by the devastating earthquake in February that year.

Former New Zealand captain Germon said sports fans in the city deserve to see world class cricket.

He believes the opening match – nearly four years to the day after the quake – would provide a poignant start to the tournament.

“It’s hard to describe what it will mean.

“Our city has been through a lot. We don’t want to harp on about that but it’s important for the city that we’re able to showcase where it is heading.”

Christchurch hasn’t hosted a one-day international match for three years and its last Test was in 2008.

New Zealand’s head of tournament operations, Therese Walsh, says there is a contingency in place if Hagley Oval’s upgrade is rejected but won’t reveal it.