CHENNAI, India (AP):

Families who have lost loved ones in the Christchurch earthquake are in the thoughts and prayers of New Zealand's players at the cricket World Cup, a team official said yesterday.

At least 65 people have been killed in one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters, which toppled tall buildings and churches and crushed buses. It was the second major quake to hit the city of 350,000 in five months.

"All immediate friends and family are (OK) but that doesn't detract from the fact that there have been fatalities," New Zealand media manager Ellery Tappin told The Associated Press. "Our prayers are with the families who have lost their dear ones."

Members of the team, which is currently training in Chennai, and the sport's ruling International Cricket Council, have sent messages of sympathy and concern.

The ICC is also looking into ways to mark the tragic events when New Zealand play their Group A match against Australia at the World Cup on Friday.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill said on his Twitter feed: "Thoughts go out to the people of Christchurch today. Terrible thing to have happened again."

concern for squad

Allrounder Scott Styris also expressed his concern for members of the squad who have families in Christchurch.

"Watching CNN. Amazing scenes. Some worried boys here in India. Be safe," he said on his Twitter feed.

The concern wasn't just restricted to the New Zealand team.

The Netherlands' cosmopolitan squad is led by Canturbury-born Peter Borren, who spoke after his adopted country's narrow opening loss to England.

"I managed to get hold of my immediate family, who are all OK, which was a relief," Borren said. "But I played a game of cricket today. I guess now I have to try and find out if everybody's OK. It's been a tough day back in Christchurch."

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the whole sport was united in support of New Zealand.

"At times like this, sport can only offer its support and its deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones during such a tragedy," Lorgat said in a statement.