As Ross Dykes nears the end of his innings with Otago cricket, the soon-to-be-retired chief executive is lapping up the World Cup without the usual responsibility of playing host.
Dykes (69) is only ''a little bit more than a spectator'' for today's match between New Zealand and Scotland at the University Oval, as the International Cricket Council is in charge of the tournament.
''We are just providing a bit of manpower in the right areas and a bit of local knowledge where required,'' Dykes said.
In addition to today's match, the University Oval will also host Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on Sunday, and Afghanistan and Scotland next Thursday.
Dykes, who will clean out his desk at the end of April, after 10 years in charge, said it would be ''absolutely fantastic'' for Dunedin to be promoted on the world stage.
''We are one of 14 venues in Australasia and we are hosting an event that will go to over a billion people. That's certainly very pleasing in terms of how we can promote Dunedin.''
With less weight on his shoulders than he had when Dunedin hosted New Zealand and Sri Lanka in two one-day internationals last month, Dykes is looking forward to enjoying the action.
He is not ready to write off Scotland today, pointing out the entire squad plays first-class cricket.
As for the tournament, Dykes is picking Australia, South Africa and New Zealand as his top three contenders.
''It's the teams that have got the strength all the way through. Clearly, Australia has got it, South Africa appears to have it, and I think we have got it,'' he said.
''You would have to say we are a strong chance.''
Once the World Cup wraps up at the end of next month, there is still plenty of work for Dykes to do before he settles into retirement.
His priority is to ''come up with a more detailed funding plan'' for the Dunedin City Council in a bid to fit out the University Oval with lights.
''I'd like to think that was something that is pretty firm before I finish. That would be the crowning thing for me, because it means international cricket at the venue is ongoing.''
