The Sydney Cricket Ground will feature at the business end of the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup 2015 when it hosts a Quarter and Semi Final along with three pool matches in the tournament.
Sydney fans will have the chance to see England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies and Australia in the pool stages before a redeveloped SCG hosts a Quarter and Semi Final in the last weeks of the tournament.
Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and greats in world cricket today announced the fixtures and venues for the biggest global sporting event of 2015.
A total of 14 cities in Australia and New Zealand will host 49 matches over 44 days in February and March 2015 with the Final to be played at the MCG on March 28. The tournament was last played in both countries in 1992 and has become one of the most viewed international sports events in the world.
Speaking about the match allocation Graham Annesley, New South Wales Minister for Sport, said the benefits in terms of tourism and trade that would come from hosting the battle for cricket’s biggest prize were important for the state.
“Hosting five matches including the Quarter and Semi Finals is a real coup for Sydney and for NSW.
“Cricketers from all over the world want to play at the SCG and this will give them that chance in front of the new Bradman, Noble and Messenger stands the NSW Government has invested in.
“I hope that being a host city will also inspire kids to boost participation in cricket and spark their dreams of playing in a future Cricket World Cup,” Mr Annesley said.
The three pool matches and finals to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground are:
- South Africa v West Indies on Friday 27 February
- Australia v Sri Lanka on Sunday 8 March
- England v Qualifier 2 on Friday 13 March
- Quarter Final on Wednesday 18 March
- Semi Final on Thursday 26 March
The SCG will likely host Australia should they progress through to the Semi Final stages.
Fans can register for the latest information at www.cricketworldcup.com.
Chief executive of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee, John Harnden, said ticket prices would not be announced until later in the year but would be affordable.
“This tournament is about the best teams, the best players and their endurance and skills that will see only the best left standing. We want as many fans as possible to be a part of this rare event,” Mr Harnden said.
“Sydney Cricket Ground has a rich cricket history, hosting the first International Cricket match under lights in 1978 and we’re excited to be bringing five of the 10 full member nations to come and play in what will be a newly refurbished stadium.”
“New South Wales also has such a diverse community who are very passionate about their heritage and, in many cases, very passionate about cricket. We’ll be working hard in local communities to ensure they can follow their teams, attend matches and play a part in the event in 2015.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is contested by the 10 Full Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), together with four Associate and Affiliate Members that qualify through the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifying programme.
The results of the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship 2011-2013 will produce the first two qualifying teams, with Ireland already progressing to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 earlier this year and one other qualifier to be known by October. The final two spots will be determined through a qualifying tournament to be hosted in New Zealand during January and February 2014.
“Whether you’re a cricket fanatic or just want to enjoy the buzz of a major international event with your family and friends, we want everyone in New South Wales to feel that this is their World Cup. This is a once in a generation opportunity to see the best players and best teams going head to head in our back yard,” concluded Mr Harnden.
Full details of on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and tournament qualifying are available at www.cricketworldcup.com, where fans can also register for ticketing news and other tournament updates. Ticketing information including tiers and packages will be released later this year.
