Reigning 50-over world champions Australia, have been ranked below Bangladesh for next year’s World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, organisers announced on Sunday.
Seedings are based primarily on the results of last month’s second edition of the tournament in England, which saw Pakistan, losing finalists in 2007, beat Sri Lanka at Lord’s to take the trophy.
Australia lost both their group matches, against the West Indies and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh too also failed to make it through to the second round, after defeats by minnows Ireland and 2007 champions India.
But Bangladesh emerged with a slightly better, if still negative, run-rate compared to that of Australia (-0.996 to -1.331).
Both countries have now been placed in the same first round Group A, along with defending champions Pakistan.
The top two sides from each of the four groups in the 12-nation men’s tournament will go through to the second round Super Eights from which the top four sides for the semi-finals will be drawn.
Should Australia qualify at Bangladesh’s expense they would inherit their rivals’ A2 seeding.
Bangladesh, if they got through instead of Australia, would remain as A2 regardless of whether they or Pakistan topped the group.
In one of cricket’s greatest shocks, Bangladesh beat Australia by five wickets in a 50 over one-day international at Cardiff – where the 2009 Ashes begin on Wedenesday – in 2005.
The semi-finals and final of the eight-team women’s tournament will take place on the same days and at the same venues as the corresponding men’s matches, a move that was widely seen as helping give women’s cricket a greater profile during last month’s World Twenty20.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
ICC World Twenty20 games slated for the Caribbean
The international cricket council’s world twenty20 tournament is due to be played in the Caribbean next year, starting in April. The launching of the event will take place in Barbados at the end of this month and tickets will go on sale from November 1st.
This announcement was made after the I.C.C.’s chief executives committee meeting in South Africa. The men’s world twenty20 2010 will be the third edition of the tournament and will be played in Barbados, St. Kitts, Guyana and St. Lucia next April and May.
Venues:
Barbados: Kensington Oval
Guyana: National Stadium, Providence
St. Lucia: Beausejour Stadium
St. Kitts: Warren Park
Men’s Tournament
Group A: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia
Group B: Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe
Group C: South Africa, India and Qualifier 1
Group D: West Indies, England and Qualifier 2
This announcement was made after the I.C.C.’s chief executives committee meeting in South Africa. The men’s world twenty20 2010 will be the third edition of the tournament and will be played in Barbados, St. Kitts, Guyana and St. Lucia next April and May.
Venues:
Barbados: Kensington Oval
Guyana: National Stadium, Providence
St. Lucia: Beausejour Stadium
St. Kitts: Warren Park
Men’s Tournament
Group A: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia
Group B: Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe
Group C: South Africa, India and Qualifier 1
Group D: West Indies, England and Qualifier 2
WICB and WIPA: Nearly All Matters Resolved
Oct. 13, 2009 --WICB and WIPA have announced that nearly all outstanding matters in dispute between the two bodies have been settled amicably. Resolution of the matters in dispute was reached after a three day meeting between Dr. Julian Hunte and Mr. Dinanath Ramnarine.
Only two outstanding matters – the issue regarding the India 2009 Tour and the issue of 'Team Rights' – will be referred to a special arbitration process as set out in the recommendations of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket given on the 11th September 2009 and agreed to by the WICB and WIPA.
In addition, the WICB and the WIPA agreed to commence negotiations on or before October 15th 2009 with respect to a new long term MOU/CBA agreement between the parties, with a commitment towards its finalization by December 31st 2009, at the latest.
Both parties are pleased that the Agreement reached creates an environment to engage in building a genuine partnership that can ensure the long term development and progress of West Indies cricket.
Only two outstanding matters – the issue regarding the India 2009 Tour and the issue of 'Team Rights' – will be referred to a special arbitration process as set out in the recommendations of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket given on the 11th September 2009 and agreed to by the WICB and WIPA.
In addition, the WICB and the WIPA agreed to commence negotiations on or before October 15th 2009 with respect to a new long term MOU/CBA agreement between the parties, with a commitment towards its finalization by December 31st 2009, at the latest.
Both parties are pleased that the Agreement reached creates an environment to engage in building a genuine partnership that can ensure the long term development and progress of West Indies cricket.
ICC World Twenty20 2010 launches global hospitality sales force
Castries -- Oct. 21, 2009 -- The promotion of hospitality packages for next year’s ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 has been pushed up a notch as the official hospitality programme has now signed up additional agents in to promote the sale of these exclusive products.
Great Vacations (Jamaica), Carib Travel (Saint Lucia) and The Travel Centre (Trinidad and Tobago) are three new additions to the Caribbean sales team, each of which has experience in hospitality sales during ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.
Approaching the key markets of India and South Africa are Twenty First Century Media and One Stop Sports and Entertainment, respectively while completing the line up are two Australian agents, the renowned and experienced Platinum Pass and the ticketing giant Ticketek.
All sales agents will be promoting and selling two types of hospitality, the Century Dining package and the Beyond the Boundary Suite package.
Both will be competitively priced – significantly cheaper than comparative packages for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. Prices and package inclusions, as well as a list of all official hospitality sales agents, are available by visiting www.windiescrickethospitality.com or by following the ‘hospitality link’ at www.icc-cricket.yahoo.net.
Any parties interested in becoming an official sales agent are asked to email hospitality@windiescricket.com for an information pack.
Background:
Pricing information:
· On average, pricing for this tournament is almost half the cost of similar packages sold to ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007:
- A dining package to the final in 2007 cost US$1,299. This time it will cost just US$649 for what is essentially the same package in the same facility at the same venue
- A dining package to a semi-final in 2010 will cost just US$449 compared to US$749 in 2007
- A suite package in Guyana cost US$2,200 for six matches over six days for CWC 2007. In 2010 it will cost just US$800 for six matches over four days for ICC WT20 2010
- A suite package in St Lucia cost US$2,600 for six matches and one semi-final in 2007. It now costs just US$1,500 for eight matches and both semi-final matches at ICC WT20 2010
- A suite package in Barbados cost US$5,000 for six matches and the final in 2007. In 2010 it will cost a customer just US$1,800 (standard) or US$2,400 (premium) for 10 matches and the final
· There will be all of the customary West Indian sounds and sights at every match, including conch shells, flags and drums
· The public ticket prices have been set low to focus on filling every ground with all of the enthusiastic West Indian cricket fans and travelling fans alike – every match is guaranteed to be a spectacle
· At the Super Eight stage, every team that qualifies will play in both St Lucia and Barbados. A suite customer will be able to watch every Super Eight team play, as well as both semi-finals (St Lucia) or the final (Barbados)
With the exception of two match days in Guyana, every game day will feature double-headers, offering twice as much cricket for half of the price.
source: caribbeanpressreleases
Great Vacations (Jamaica), Carib Travel (Saint Lucia) and The Travel Centre (Trinidad and Tobago) are three new additions to the Caribbean sales team, each of which has experience in hospitality sales during ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.
Approaching the key markets of India and South Africa are Twenty First Century Media and One Stop Sports and Entertainment, respectively while completing the line up are two Australian agents, the renowned and experienced Platinum Pass and the ticketing giant Ticketek.
All sales agents will be promoting and selling two types of hospitality, the Century Dining package and the Beyond the Boundary Suite package.
Both will be competitively priced – significantly cheaper than comparative packages for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007. Prices and package inclusions, as well as a list of all official hospitality sales agents, are available by visiting www.windiescrickethospitality.com or by following the ‘hospitality link’ at www.icc-cricket.yahoo.net.
Any parties interested in becoming an official sales agent are asked to email hospitality@windiescricket.com for an information pack.
Background:
Pricing information:
· On average, pricing for this tournament is almost half the cost of similar packages sold to ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007:
- A dining package to the final in 2007 cost US$1,299. This time it will cost just US$649 for what is essentially the same package in the same facility at the same venue
- A dining package to a semi-final in 2010 will cost just US$449 compared to US$749 in 2007
- A suite package in Guyana cost US$2,200 for six matches over six days for CWC 2007. In 2010 it will cost just US$800 for six matches over four days for ICC WT20 2010
- A suite package in St Lucia cost US$2,600 for six matches and one semi-final in 2007. It now costs just US$1,500 for eight matches and both semi-final matches at ICC WT20 2010
- A suite package in Barbados cost US$5,000 for six matches and the final in 2007. In 2010 it will cost a customer just US$1,800 (standard) or US$2,400 (premium) for 10 matches and the final
· There will be all of the customary West Indian sounds and sights at every match, including conch shells, flags and drums
· The public ticket prices have been set low to focus on filling every ground with all of the enthusiastic West Indian cricket fans and travelling fans alike – every match is guaranteed to be a spectacle
· At the Super Eight stage, every team that qualifies will play in both St Lucia and Barbados. A suite customer will be able to watch every Super Eight team play, as well as both semi-finals (St Lucia) or the final (Barbados)
With the exception of two match days in Guyana, every game day will feature double-headers, offering twice as much cricket for half of the price.
source: caribbeanpressreleases
Twenty20 Championship to remain in the Caribbean
The world governing body of cricket, the ICC, has rebuffed reports that 2010 ICC World Twenty20 Championships could be switched from the Caribbean to the United Arab Emirates.
The UK based newspaper the Daily Mail had reported that chief executives from the leading countries were considering switching the location of the event, which is to be held in May, to the UAE due to the on going contractual dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and the players association, WIPA.
But ICC officials have denied the reports stating that they have no intention to move the tournament out of the Caribbean.
It is believed the ICC are wary of a repeat of the disastrous World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007, which saw poor crowds and poor cricket and feel the host must have a team capable of making an impact.
The ICC netted a $50 million profit from the massive success of the second staging of the World Twenty20 Championships in England earlier this year.
Source: radiojamaica
No regional T20 before World Twenty20 - Ernest Hilaire
Ernest Hilaire, the newly elected chief executive of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), has said it won't be possible to conduct a regional Twenty20 tournament to give the West Indies players sufficient practice before the ICC World Twenty20 in April-May, in the Caribbean.
Hilaire said West Indies' international schedule, starting with the tour of Australia this month, was too packed to accommodate a tournament.
"I think it will be difficult between now and the tournament in April next year to have a Twenty20 tournament," Hilaire said at the launch of the World Twenty20's ticket sales in Barbados. "We will not have a Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup because there is already a schedule of matches up to that time.
"We travel to Australia in the next couple of weeks and return at the end of the year. We start from January our regional four-day tournament that would last until the end of March. In between that, we will be traveling to Australia for the one-day (bilateral) series and then we host Zimbabwe and there is virtually no space for us to have a Twenty20 tournament."
Hilaire however was confident that the West Indies team will be sufficiently prepared for the world tournament. West Indies end their tour of Australia with the two Twenty20 internationals before taking on Zimbabwe at home for a limited-overs series in March.
"We will be playing Twenty20 matches in Australia, as well as against Zimbabwe, so you do not need to have a regional Twenty20 tournament for the team to prepare. We are trying to ensure the team plays enough matches leading up to the World Twenty20."
The Stanford 20/20 was the only recognised tournament in the Caribbean, which ran for two seasons before it was cancelled after Allen Stanford, the Texan billionaire who bankrolled the tournament, was arrested on charges of fraud. Deryck Murray, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, recently proposed a West Indies Twenty20 Championship at the end of the year, to help choose the best side in the region, who will then go onto represent West Indies in future editions of the Champions League Twenty20. T&T, the winners of the Stanford 20/20, qualified for the Champions League in India and reached the finals.
Hilaire assured that the board will discuss the possibilities of hosting a regional tournament in future.
"One of the things we are doing at the WICB now is a schedule of cricket until 2012 where we will actually create slots in the annual calendar to allow for our three regional tournaments - the four-day, the one-day and a Twenty20 tournament - as well as ensuring we meet all our international commitments, creating space for each territorial board to have their own tournaments. The challenge we are facing now is that there is so much cricket, and cricket is becoming so attractive for cricketers themselves, that we absolutely need to establish that schedule."
Source: Cricinfo
No regional T20 before World Twenty20 - Ernest Hilaire
Ernest Hilaire, the newly elected chief executive of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), has said it won't be possible to conduct a regional Twenty20 tournament to give the West Indies players sufficient practice before the ICC World Twenty20 in April-May, in the Caribbean.
Hilaire said West Indies' international schedule, starting with the tour of Australia this month, was too packed to accommodate a tournament.
"I think it will be difficult between now and the tournament in April next year to have a Twenty20 tournament," Hilaire said at the launch of the World Twenty20's ticket sales in Barbados. "We will not have a Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup because there is already a schedule of matches up to that time.
"We travel to Australia in the next couple of weeks and return at the end of the year. We start from January our regional four-day tournament that would last until the end of March. In between that, we will be traveling to Australia for the one-day (bilateral) series and then we host Zimbabwe and there is virtually no space for us to have a Twenty20 tournament."
Hilaire however was confident that the West Indies team will be sufficiently prepared for the world tournament. West Indies end their tour of Australia with the two Twenty20 internationals before taking on Zimbabwe at home for a limited-overs series in March.
"We will be playing Twenty20 matches in Australia, as well as against Zimbabwe, so you do not need to have a regional Twenty20 tournament for the team to prepare. We are trying to ensure the team plays enough matches leading up to the World Twenty20."
The Stanford 20/20 was the only recognised tournament in the Caribbean, which ran for two seasons before it was cancelled after Allen Stanford, the Texan billionaire who bankrolled the tournament, was arrested on charges of fraud. Deryck Murray, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, recently proposed a West Indies Twenty20 Championship at the end of the year, to help choose the best side in the region, who will then go onto represent West Indies in future editions of the Champions League Twenty20. T&T, the winners of the Stanford 20/20, qualified for the Champions League in India and reached the finals.
Hilaire assured that the board will discuss the possibilities of hosting a regional tournament in future.
"One of the things we are doing at the WICB now is a schedule of cricket until 2012 where we will actually create slots in the annual calendar to allow for our three regional tournaments - the four-day, the one-day and a Twenty20 tournament - as well as ensuring we meet all our international commitments, creating space for each territorial board to have their own tournaments. The challenge we are facing now is that there is so much cricket, and cricket is becoming so attractive for cricketers themselves, that we absolutely need to establish that schedule."
Source: Cricinfo
Hilaire said West Indies' international schedule, starting with the tour of Australia this month, was too packed to accommodate a tournament.
"I think it will be difficult between now and the tournament in April next year to have a Twenty20 tournament," Hilaire said at the launch of the World Twenty20's ticket sales in Barbados. "We will not have a Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup because there is already a schedule of matches up to that time.
"We travel to Australia in the next couple of weeks and return at the end of the year. We start from January our regional four-day tournament that would last until the end of March. In between that, we will be traveling to Australia for the one-day (bilateral) series and then we host Zimbabwe and there is virtually no space for us to have a Twenty20 tournament."
Hilaire however was confident that the West Indies team will be sufficiently prepared for the world tournament. West Indies end their tour of Australia with the two Twenty20 internationals before taking on Zimbabwe at home for a limited-overs series in March.
"We will be playing Twenty20 matches in Australia, as well as against Zimbabwe, so you do not need to have a regional Twenty20 tournament for the team to prepare. We are trying to ensure the team plays enough matches leading up to the World Twenty20."
The Stanford 20/20 was the only recognised tournament in the Caribbean, which ran for two seasons before it was cancelled after Allen Stanford, the Texan billionaire who bankrolled the tournament, was arrested on charges of fraud. Deryck Murray, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, recently proposed a West Indies Twenty20 Championship at the end of the year, to help choose the best side in the region, who will then go onto represent West Indies in future editions of the Champions League Twenty20. T&T, the winners of the Stanford 20/20, qualified for the Champions League in India and reached the finals.
Hilaire assured that the board will discuss the possibilities of hosting a regional tournament in future.
"One of the things we are doing at the WICB now is a schedule of cricket until 2012 where we will actually create slots in the annual calendar to allow for our three regional tournaments - the four-day, the one-day and a Twenty20 tournament - as well as ensuring we meet all our international commitments, creating space for each territorial board to have their own tournaments. The challenge we are facing now is that there is so much cricket, and cricket is becoming so attractive for cricketers themselves, that we absolutely need to establish that schedule."
Source: Cricinfo
No regional T20 before World Twenty20 - Ernest Hilaire
Ernest Hilaire, the newly elected chief executive of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), has said it won't be possible to conduct a regional Twenty20 tournament to give the West Indies players sufficient practice before the ICC World Twenty20 in April-May, in the Caribbean.
Hilaire said West Indies' international schedule, starting with the tour of Australia this month, was too packed to accommodate a tournament.
"I think it will be difficult between now and the tournament in April next year to have a Twenty20 tournament," Hilaire said at the launch of the World Twenty20's ticket sales in Barbados. "We will not have a Twenty20 tournament before the World Cup because there is already a schedule of matches up to that time.
"We travel to Australia in the next couple of weeks and return at the end of the year. We start from January our regional four-day tournament that would last until the end of March. In between that, we will be traveling to Australia for the one-day (bilateral) series and then we host Zimbabwe and there is virtually no space for us to have a Twenty20 tournament."
Hilaire however was confident that the West Indies team will be sufficiently prepared for the world tournament. West Indies end their tour of Australia with the two Twenty20 internationals before taking on Zimbabwe at home for a limited-overs series in March.
"We will be playing Twenty20 matches in Australia, as well as against Zimbabwe, so you do not need to have a regional Twenty20 tournament for the team to prepare. We are trying to ensure the team plays enough matches leading up to the World Twenty20."
The Stanford 20/20 was the only recognised tournament in the Caribbean, which ran for two seasons before it was cancelled after Allen Stanford, the Texan billionaire who bankrolled the tournament, was arrested on charges of fraud. Deryck Murray, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, recently proposed a West Indies Twenty20 Championship at the end of the year, to help choose the best side in the region, who will then go onto represent West Indies in future editions of the Champions League Twenty20. T&T, the winners of the Stanford 20/20, qualified for the Champions League in India and reached the finals.
Hilaire assured that the board will discuss the possibilities of hosting a regional tournament in future.
"One of the things we are doing at the WICB now is a schedule of cricket until 2012 where we will actually create slots in the annual calendar to allow for our three regional tournaments - the four-day, the one-day and a Twenty20 tournament - as well as ensuring we meet all our international commitments, creating space for each territorial board to have their own tournaments. The challenge we are facing now is that there is so much cricket, and cricket is becoming so attractive for cricketers themselves, that we absolutely need to establish that schedule."
Source: Cricinfo
On to the best Twenty20 World Cup ever
In the presence of the Caribbean and the world’s finest cricketers, Clive Lloyd, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers and Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner just to name a few, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially launched it’s ticket sales for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup at the outstanding facilities of the Kensington Oval in Barbados Saturday evening.
Splashed with the tournament’s phrase, Captivating, Contagious Cricket, cricketing greats of the past, along with representatives from the ICC and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), officially declared ticket box offices in the Caribbean and around the world open.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICC Haroon Lorgat expressed high optimism that 2010 World T20 will be just as or even more exciting that the two previous showings in South Africa and England and also assured West Indians that a reoccurrence of 2007 Cricket World Cup was not possible.
“We want to see people filling the party stands, enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of a day at the cricket. We want them to bring their conch shells, their drums, their flags and banners. We want them to bring their voices, their sense of humour and their passion for the game and for their team,” Lorgat said.
Having a cricketing word – ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat (left) shares a light conversation with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Chetram Singh (right) and Secretary Anand Sanassie at the WT20 ticket sales launch in Barbados on Saturday.
Having a cricketing word – ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat (left) shares a light conversation with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Chetram Singh (right) and Secretary Anand Sanassie at the WT20 ticket sales launch in Barbados on Saturday.
The South African Lorgat says that the ICC …”recognizes the unique nature of cricket in the West Indies and we want this to be a cricket tournament with a genuine West Indian feel. This is another wonderful opportunity for the West Indian countries to prove again their ability to stage a major world event right here in the Caribbean.”
The 49 year-old Lorgat, who took up the post in April of 2008, succeeding Australian Malcolm Speed, declared that the countdown was on now with the four host countries to ensure the focus of the world will be on another great ICC event. Cricket in this part of the world Lorgat said, has captured the imagination of fans in every corner of the globe.
He added that every team has its own way of doing things and the style, passion and power of how the game has been played by generations of West Indian cricketers is their signature, their indelible mark that will remain forever. Meanwhile, ICC WT20 Tournament Director Robert Bryan was obdurate in his address to the gathering in stating that the Caribbean will deliver what he calls the best Twenty20 World Cup ever.
This is not the first time that the Jamaican Bryan is soaking his feet in the deep waters of one of the games spectacles as he was the CEO Operations of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup in his homeland.
“The ICC World Twenty/20 is no ordinary tournament; it’s the best from the world of Twenty/20 cricket. It is the pinnacle of Twenty/20 achievements so if you’re a player, we expect you to bring your ‘A’ game, your best bowling, batting and fielding,” said the Tournament Director.
“If you’re a fan we understand and know that no one does it like they do in the West Indies, we advise you to bring noise makers, your best costumes, your brightest colours, your biggest cheers. Bring it on we say, the speed will be captivating, the energy will be contagious, the tournament will deliver the best captivating, contagious cricket” , Bryan blissfully added.
President of the WICB Julian Hunte said that the Caribbean was less than 200 days away from another signature moment in its history and in the annals of cricket within the West Indies.
Hunte said that not so long ago, the possibility of a world-class sporting event coming to the Caribbean would have been considered at best a fanciful notion.
“Now, here we are preparing diligently for our second international cricket tournament in less than three years with the confidence and professionalism of seasoned experts.”
“Yes, the tickets prices are very attractive, some might even say cheap – and this helps. It is not often that a fan can boast of seeing some of the best players in a sport compete in a final for US$40. In fact, it’s TWO finals for that price – both the men’s and women’s. There is also the potential of watching some riveting first round match-ups for just US$5. Special consideration has also been given to Under-16 fans, as you will hear later,” the WICB boss said.
Four venues will be used next year for the games showpiece event with Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia staging the men’s tournament and St Kitts hosting the women’s.
The National Stadium at Providence will play host to the first round matches where Guyanese will get a chance to witness the opening of the ICC WT20 on April 30 along with all the West Indies matches.
Tickets for the stands will be sold at US$10 and grounds or grass mound as it is known are being sold at US$5 and party stands US$65 while children under will be admitted for free.
St Lucia and Barbados were fortunate to host both super eight and semi-finals along with the first round sets of matches, but the Kensington Oval was named the home of the finals for the male and females championships.
Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis with a minimal of four tickets per household per match.
Source: Stabroek News
Splashed with the tournament’s phrase, Captivating, Contagious Cricket, cricketing greats of the past, along with representatives from the ICC and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), officially declared ticket box offices in the Caribbean and around the world open.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICC Haroon Lorgat expressed high optimism that 2010 World T20 will be just as or even more exciting that the two previous showings in South Africa and England and also assured West Indians that a reoccurrence of 2007 Cricket World Cup was not possible.
“We want to see people filling the party stands, enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of a day at the cricket. We want them to bring their conch shells, their drums, their flags and banners. We want them to bring their voices, their sense of humour and their passion for the game and for their team,” Lorgat said.
Having a cricketing word – ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat (left) shares a light conversation with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Chetram Singh (right) and Secretary Anand Sanassie at the WT20 ticket sales launch in Barbados on Saturday.
Having a cricketing word – ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat (left) shares a light conversation with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Chetram Singh (right) and Secretary Anand Sanassie at the WT20 ticket sales launch in Barbados on Saturday.
The South African Lorgat says that the ICC …”recognizes the unique nature of cricket in the West Indies and we want this to be a cricket tournament with a genuine West Indian feel. This is another wonderful opportunity for the West Indian countries to prove again their ability to stage a major world event right here in the Caribbean.”
The 49 year-old Lorgat, who took up the post in April of 2008, succeeding Australian Malcolm Speed, declared that the countdown was on now with the four host countries to ensure the focus of the world will be on another great ICC event. Cricket in this part of the world Lorgat said, has captured the imagination of fans in every corner of the globe.
He added that every team has its own way of doing things and the style, passion and power of how the game has been played by generations of West Indian cricketers is their signature, their indelible mark that will remain forever. Meanwhile, ICC WT20 Tournament Director Robert Bryan was obdurate in his address to the gathering in stating that the Caribbean will deliver what he calls the best Twenty20 World Cup ever.
This is not the first time that the Jamaican Bryan is soaking his feet in the deep waters of one of the games spectacles as he was the CEO Operations of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup in his homeland.
“The ICC World Twenty/20 is no ordinary tournament; it’s the best from the world of Twenty/20 cricket. It is the pinnacle of Twenty/20 achievements so if you’re a player, we expect you to bring your ‘A’ game, your best bowling, batting and fielding,” said the Tournament Director.
“If you’re a fan we understand and know that no one does it like they do in the West Indies, we advise you to bring noise makers, your best costumes, your brightest colours, your biggest cheers. Bring it on we say, the speed will be captivating, the energy will be contagious, the tournament will deliver the best captivating, contagious cricket” , Bryan blissfully added.
President of the WICB Julian Hunte said that the Caribbean was less than 200 days away from another signature moment in its history and in the annals of cricket within the West Indies.
Hunte said that not so long ago, the possibility of a world-class sporting event coming to the Caribbean would have been considered at best a fanciful notion.
“Now, here we are preparing diligently for our second international cricket tournament in less than three years with the confidence and professionalism of seasoned experts.”
“Yes, the tickets prices are very attractive, some might even say cheap – and this helps. It is not often that a fan can boast of seeing some of the best players in a sport compete in a final for US$40. In fact, it’s TWO finals for that price – both the men’s and women’s. There is also the potential of watching some riveting first round match-ups for just US$5. Special consideration has also been given to Under-16 fans, as you will hear later,” the WICB boss said.
Four venues will be used next year for the games showpiece event with Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia staging the men’s tournament and St Kitts hosting the women’s.
The National Stadium at Providence will play host to the first round matches where Guyanese will get a chance to witness the opening of the ICC WT20 on April 30 along with all the West Indies matches.
Tickets for the stands will be sold at US$10 and grounds or grass mound as it is known are being sold at US$5 and party stands US$65 while children under will be admitted for free.
St Lucia and Barbados were fortunate to host both super eight and semi-finals along with the first round sets of matches, but the Kensington Oval was named the home of the finals for the male and females championships.
Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis with a minimal of four tickets per household per match.
Source: Stabroek News
2010 Twenty20 World Cup tickets go on sale
DUBAI: The tickets for next year's Twenty20 World Cup went on sale on Sunday with ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat expressing hope that fans would come out in numbers to buy them due to affordable prices.
The Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies may be still six months away but the countdown for the event formally started today with tournament director Robert Bryan launching the ticket sales at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
"This is the third edition of the ICC World Twenty20 and, I am every bit as excited and confident about its success as about the previous two," Lorgat said.
"Tickets go on sale from November 1 and with a very reasonable and affordable pricing structure in place, we expect them to be snapped up very quickly. Already we have had many enquiries for these tickets.
"We want to see fans filling the party stands and enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of international cricket with a real West Indian feel," he added.
"For the cricketing-loving people of the Caribbean, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 is a rare opportunity to view the world's top cricketers - both men's and women's - performing at their best. The countdown to April 30 is on."
This is the second international cricket event that West Indies will be hosting since the 50-over World Cup in 2007, the ICC said in a statement.
The Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies may be still six months away but the countdown for the event formally started today with tournament director Robert Bryan launching the ticket sales at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
"This is the third edition of the ICC World Twenty20 and, I am every bit as excited and confident about its success as about the previous two," Lorgat said.
"Tickets go on sale from November 1 and with a very reasonable and affordable pricing structure in place, we expect them to be snapped up very quickly. Already we have had many enquiries for these tickets.
"We want to see fans filling the party stands and enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of international cricket with a real West Indian feel," he added.
"For the cricketing-loving people of the Caribbean, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 is a rare opportunity to view the world's top cricketers - both men's and women's - performing at their best. The countdown to April 30 is on."
This is the second international cricket event that West Indies will be hosting since the 50-over World Cup in 2007, the ICC said in a statement.
India's Team for the Caribbean Announced
The ICC World Twenty20 has lost its sheen for team India. The defending champions now plan and prepare for the four ODI tour to the Caribbean even as the West Indies plan to take on Sri Lanka in the second semi final tomorrow.
Barbados getting ready to stage Twenty20 Tournament
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Barbadian officials are ‘pulling out all the stops' to ensure the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Twenty20 tournament, to be staged in the region next year will be successful.
This was asserted recently by President of the Barbados Cricket Association, (BCA) Joel Garner who disclosed that all the criteria for staging the tournament had been met.
He said: "There was a bidding process much like 2007, but not as involved. The event is being managed by a Local Organising Committee. The BCA is part of the Organising Committee and made the bid on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board in order to be able to have the games here. But, we could not have done it without the participation of the Government because there were some guarantees that were necessary in terms of customs, immigration, and those sort of things and the role of the BCA was to partner with Government to get everything moving."
This was further underscored by Project Support Leader of the Local Organising Committee, Vancourt Rouse, who explained: "The ICC ...wanted to understand how we would accommodate the teams and the officials here and there are some guarantees with respect to the cost of accommodation within the summer period. There are some guarantees with respect to how teams would be facilitated at the Grantley Adams [International] Airport and how immigration, and the customs process would flow. These are really very normal processes that we follow for any major event now, so the guarantees were not all onerous and certainly don't compare with the 2007 event at all."
He surmised that the process was very simple this time around. "We certainly did not have to prepare a 400 page bid-book like we did in 2004. In this case, the ICC, through the West Indies Cricket Board, asked countries in the Caribbean to indicate interest and those countries that were interested submitted a number of documents," he stated.
Rouse further outlined that aspects of the agreement included "a number of Government guarantees associated with hosting this type of event and [the provision of] a budget; ... that would help them to understand the cost in this location and some of the plans we have for embellishing the tournament."
He pointed out that unlike the 2007 World Cup, there were no guarantees with respect to vehicles or Sunset Legislation.
The international event will see 12 of the world's premier teams competing in a limited overs version of cricket's most exciting game. The BCA President pointed out that there will be associate members, with teams that had already qualified. He added: "But there is also a Women's World Cup... and we're going to be playing the finals here in Barbados, while the women's tournament is being played in St Kitts. You'll have the women's finals [at Kensington Oval] during the day and then the men's finals during the afternoon, so it will be a double-header."
In order to successfully stage the cricket fixture, Garner said the BCA also had to ensure practice areas were within close proximity to the stadium. "We had to have grounds [within] a one-mile radius of Kensington Oval and the hospital has to be the same distance". He added that they were hoping that the grounds at Police, Carlton, BET and Wanderers would be used by the teams for practice sessions.
The ICC Twenty20 cricket matches will be held in four Caribbean destinations from April 30 to May 16. Barbados, St Lucia and Guyana will host the men's games; while St Kitts will be the venue for the women's tournament. Tickets can be booked online or at the centres provided.
Source: caribbeannetnews
This was asserted recently by President of the Barbados Cricket Association, (BCA) Joel Garner who disclosed that all the criteria for staging the tournament had been met.
He said: "There was a bidding process much like 2007, but not as involved. The event is being managed by a Local Organising Committee. The BCA is part of the Organising Committee and made the bid on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board in order to be able to have the games here. But, we could not have done it without the participation of the Government because there were some guarantees that were necessary in terms of customs, immigration, and those sort of things and the role of the BCA was to partner with Government to get everything moving."
This was further underscored by Project Support Leader of the Local Organising Committee, Vancourt Rouse, who explained: "The ICC ...wanted to understand how we would accommodate the teams and the officials here and there are some guarantees with respect to the cost of accommodation within the summer period. There are some guarantees with respect to how teams would be facilitated at the Grantley Adams [International] Airport and how immigration, and the customs process would flow. These are really very normal processes that we follow for any major event now, so the guarantees were not all onerous and certainly don't compare with the 2007 event at all."
He surmised that the process was very simple this time around. "We certainly did not have to prepare a 400 page bid-book like we did in 2004. In this case, the ICC, through the West Indies Cricket Board, asked countries in the Caribbean to indicate interest and those countries that were interested submitted a number of documents," he stated.
Rouse further outlined that aspects of the agreement included "a number of Government guarantees associated with hosting this type of event and [the provision of] a budget; ... that would help them to understand the cost in this location and some of the plans we have for embellishing the tournament."
He pointed out that unlike the 2007 World Cup, there were no guarantees with respect to vehicles or Sunset Legislation.
The international event will see 12 of the world's premier teams competing in a limited overs version of cricket's most exciting game. The BCA President pointed out that there will be associate members, with teams that had already qualified. He added: "But there is also a Women's World Cup... and we're going to be playing the finals here in Barbados, while the women's tournament is being played in St Kitts. You'll have the women's finals [at Kensington Oval] during the day and then the men's finals during the afternoon, so it will be a double-header."
In order to successfully stage the cricket fixture, Garner said the BCA also had to ensure practice areas were within close proximity to the stadium. "We had to have grounds [within] a one-mile radius of Kensington Oval and the hospital has to be the same distance". He added that they were hoping that the grounds at Police, Carlton, BET and Wanderers would be used by the teams for practice sessions.
The ICC Twenty20 cricket matches will be held in four Caribbean destinations from April 30 to May 16. Barbados, St Lucia and Guyana will host the men's games; while St Kitts will be the venue for the women's tournament. Tickets can be booked online or at the centres provided.
Source: caribbeannetnews
ICC 2010 Twenty20 World Cup
Captain of the Indian cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that when the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Twenty20 World Cup comes to the West Indies next year, it would be nothing short of fantastic because the type of game fits perfectly with the West Indian culture. Speaking with Stabroek Sport upon the conclusion of their one-day series tour of the West Indies in St Lucia last week, Dhoni expressed his delight in the championship moving to this part of the world. Dhoni, who piloted his side during their five-run victory over Pakistan to win the first installation of the World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa in 2007, noted that in the Caribbean the people are always joyous for the shorter version of the game and don’t like to be disappointed.
“Whenever you come to the West Indies it is a different atmosphere all together, the music, the people out here, they shout with the bowler and you have to entertain them because if you’re not really entertaining them then you are in trouble,” said Dhoni. He added, “I think it would be fun, you know, the sightseeing as well, because as you see it’s a cramped up tournament, it’s not like they are big breaks in the middle but still it’s a beautiful place to be in, lovely people, good music so I’m certain it would be exciting and it’s a big success.”
Guyana will host the opening along with matches in Group ‘D’ with the West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. This would be the second time one of the ICC’s prestigious tournaments would be coming to the Caribbean with the first being the limited overs World Cup in 2007. However it was viewed as disappointing, marred by loud cries from the nationals of several host countries over the stiff restrictions that took away the colour of cricket in the West Indies, not to mention the exuberant ticket prices.
But it was promised by cricket’s government body that this time around, it would be totally different since the shorter version of the game makes for festive vibes and would truly depict the Caribbean as it is popularly known around the world. Also they have significantly lowered the ticket prices with tickets costing as low as US$5 and the highest going for US$40, but this would only be for the finals in Barbados. The event next year will be held under the theme ‘Captivating, Contagious Cricket’.
Source: maxabout.net
How teams qualify
For the men's event, the ten ICC Full Members qualify automatically for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. They are Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
These 10 teams will be joined by two Associate or Affiliate teams. Eight teams, including Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Scotland, UAE and USA, will contest a qualifying event that will be played in Dubai in February 2010.
For the women's event, the top eight ranked sides in the world automatically qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. These sides are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Source: icc-cricket
These 10 teams will be joined by two Associate or Affiliate teams. Eight teams, including Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Scotland, UAE and USA, will contest a qualifying event that will be played in Dubai in February 2010.
For the women's event, the top eight ranked sides in the world automatically qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. These sides are Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Source: icc-cricket
Caribbean preparing to bowl over world as ticket sales start for ICC World Twenty20 2010
ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010 may still be nearly six months away but the Caribbean is nearing "event mode".
Tournament director, Mr. Robert Bryan, signalled this at the ICC WT20 West Indies 2010 Ticket Sales Launch at Kensington Oval in Barbados where the finals will be held on Sunday May 16 next year.
Presenting an update on a number of key tournament elements, he said: "This Ticket Sales Launch signals that the ICC WT20 is here and underscores the need for us to put the finishing touches to our preparations to ensure the tournament is executed in a manner that meets the standards of the ICC and its commercial partners, as well as to ensure the most tremendous spectator experience possible within the context of the unique West Indian environment and traditions."
In his speech, Mr. Bryan highlighted the following developments as the West Indies moves towards hosting its second international cricket showpiece, having staged ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007:
* The match schedule has now been finalised
* All organising committees and planning committees are in place and working
* The draft master security plan has been completed and is being reviewed
* Medical planning mostly complete in all venues
* Inspections of all match and practice venues and recommendations for remedial work have been shared with the stadium authorities and work continues to monitor implementation in a timely manner. Specifically the unique requirements for four dressing rooms have our focus and attention. We are now in design phase and expect to complete these in the required timeframes. Other cricket operations preparations are in an advanced stage of planning including the support staff structure required for the tournament
* The volunteer programme has been largely finalised
* Travel and accommodation arrangements are being finalised which will provide the final components of our transportation and VIP hospitality programmes
* The process of selecting a regional marketing agency has been completed and an appointment is expected within the month of November
* The concept for the ?sportainment' programme has been drafted and is in the process of consultation and finalisation towards approvals
"Before the end of the year we expect to finalise a lot of this planning phase and in 2010 we expect to test procedures to complete the planning phase," the tournament director told guests at the cocktail reception and press conference in the Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand.
Meanwhile ICC Chief Executive, Mr. Haroon Lorgat urged fans worldwide not to miss out on what he anticipates will be an unforgettable and festive Twenty20 experience.
"This is the third edition of the ICC World Twenty20 and, I am every bit as excited and confident about its success as about the previous two. Tickets go on sale from November 1 and with a very reasonable and affordable pricing structure in place, we expect them to be snapped up very quickly. Already we have had many enquiries for these tickets," he said.
"We want to see fans filling the party stands and enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of international cricket with a real West Indian feel.
"For the cricketing-loving people of the Caribbean, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 is a rare opportunity to view the world's top cricketers ? both men's and women's ? performing at their best. The countdown to April 30 is on."
In his speech, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President, Dr. Julian R. Hunte, said: "The process of selling tickets will define how well we are planning and naturally how well the tournament is received by fans in the Caribbean and around the world. The sale of tickets is one of the most effective and tangible barometers for measuring public excitement and expectation about a particular event or occasion.
"We anticipate that we will see that mounting goodwill borne out in the ticket sales, both regionally and internationally. Strong and speedy ticket sales will auger well for the match-day spectacle of packed stands with screaming spectators cheering every free hit and balls flying over the dugouts and out of the grounds."
Dr. Hunte also pointed to the important transformation in the psyche of the Caribbean since 2007. "Not so long ago, the possibility of a world-class sporting event coming to our shores would have been considered at best a fanciful notion.
"Preparing diligently for our second international cricket tournament in less than three years with the confidence and professionalism of seasoned experts," he said.
Source: ICC Media Release
Tournament director, Mr. Robert Bryan, signalled this at the ICC WT20 West Indies 2010 Ticket Sales Launch at Kensington Oval in Barbados where the finals will be held on Sunday May 16 next year.
Presenting an update on a number of key tournament elements, he said: "This Ticket Sales Launch signals that the ICC WT20 is here and underscores the need for us to put the finishing touches to our preparations to ensure the tournament is executed in a manner that meets the standards of the ICC and its commercial partners, as well as to ensure the most tremendous spectator experience possible within the context of the unique West Indian environment and traditions."
In his speech, Mr. Bryan highlighted the following developments as the West Indies moves towards hosting its second international cricket showpiece, having staged ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007:
* The match schedule has now been finalised
* All organising committees and planning committees are in place and working
* The draft master security plan has been completed and is being reviewed
* Medical planning mostly complete in all venues
* Inspections of all match and practice venues and recommendations for remedial work have been shared with the stadium authorities and work continues to monitor implementation in a timely manner. Specifically the unique requirements for four dressing rooms have our focus and attention. We are now in design phase and expect to complete these in the required timeframes. Other cricket operations preparations are in an advanced stage of planning including the support staff structure required for the tournament
* The volunteer programme has been largely finalised
* Travel and accommodation arrangements are being finalised which will provide the final components of our transportation and VIP hospitality programmes
* The process of selecting a regional marketing agency has been completed and an appointment is expected within the month of November
* The concept for the ?sportainment' programme has been drafted and is in the process of consultation and finalisation towards approvals
"Before the end of the year we expect to finalise a lot of this planning phase and in 2010 we expect to test procedures to complete the planning phase," the tournament director told guests at the cocktail reception and press conference in the Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand.
Meanwhile ICC Chief Executive, Mr. Haroon Lorgat urged fans worldwide not to miss out on what he anticipates will be an unforgettable and festive Twenty20 experience.
"This is the third edition of the ICC World Twenty20 and, I am every bit as excited and confident about its success as about the previous two. Tickets go on sale from November 1 and with a very reasonable and affordable pricing structure in place, we expect them to be snapped up very quickly. Already we have had many enquiries for these tickets," he said.
"We want to see fans filling the party stands and enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of international cricket with a real West Indian feel.
"For the cricketing-loving people of the Caribbean, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 is a rare opportunity to view the world's top cricketers ? both men's and women's ? performing at their best. The countdown to April 30 is on."
In his speech, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President, Dr. Julian R. Hunte, said: "The process of selling tickets will define how well we are planning and naturally how well the tournament is received by fans in the Caribbean and around the world. The sale of tickets is one of the most effective and tangible barometers for measuring public excitement and expectation about a particular event or occasion.
"We anticipate that we will see that mounting goodwill borne out in the ticket sales, both regionally and internationally. Strong and speedy ticket sales will auger well for the match-day spectacle of packed stands with screaming spectators cheering every free hit and balls flying over the dugouts and out of the grounds."
Dr. Hunte also pointed to the important transformation in the psyche of the Caribbean since 2007. "Not so long ago, the possibility of a world-class sporting event coming to our shores would have been considered at best a fanciful notion.
"Preparing diligently for our second international cricket tournament in less than three years with the confidence and professionalism of seasoned experts," he said.
Source: ICC Media Release
Pakistan to start defence against Bangladesh
Pakistan will begin the defence of its Twenty20 World Cup title in the Caribbean next year against Bangladesh in St Lucia as the West Indies kick start the competition on April 30th.
And the side that defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets to lift the trophy at Lord’s last month will complete its opening group commitments at the same venue the following day against Australia.
The West Indies will begin the event in Guyana on 30 April against one of two qualifiers for the tournament, part of a double-header that will also feature Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
If the West Indies, also in a group with England, reaches the Super Eights, it will then go on to play in St Lucia and Barbados, something that would see the hosts play in all three locations for the men’s tournament.
India, the 2007 champions, will start its campaign to regain the crown with an encounter with the other qualifier in St Lucia on 1 May.
England’s women, who beat New Zealand to lift the inaugural ICC Women’s World Twenty20 title, start their push for back-to-back trophies against old rivals Australia in St Kitts on 5 May, the first day of matches in the women’s tournament.
Action will take place at four venues – Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia, with the former’s Kensington Oval hosting finals day on Sunday 16 May.
Tickets are set to go on sale in the Caricom market on 1 November 2009, with sales to the rest of the world commencing two weeks later, on 15 November. Tickets will be available via website, call centre, outlets and box office with further details to be announced in due course.
Looking ahead to next year’s ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010, West Indies Cricket Board President Dr Julian R Hunte said: “The ICC World Twenty20 has proven a successful and riveting event and the West Indies Cricket Board is pleased to host the third edition of this tournament next year.
“We look forward to it being even more spectacular than the previous ones and invite you to join us in the Caribbean.”
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “We have enjoyed two hugely successful events in this form of the game, first in 2007 in South Africa and last month in England, and I am certain next year’s action in the Caribbean will maintain, if not surpass, the successes of those previous global Twenty20 tournaments.
“One measure of success will be to fill the venues and to try to achieve this we have worked hard with the West Indies Cricket Board to ensure the ticket prices are extremely competitive.
“In Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia we have four outstanding venues, something that was shown in 2007 when they hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and we know that West Indian spectators enjoy the format as they have already embraced Twenty20 at domestic level.
“We also want to ensure spectators are able to enjoy the tournament and we will do everything we can to ensure the event is in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere in which people watch cricket in the Caribbean.
“I’m delighted we have retained the men’s and women’s tournaments in one event with the respective semi-finals and finals being played on the same days at the same venues. This will again provide women’s cricket with a great platform to showcase the talents of the top players.
“What I am looking forward to is another short, sharp tournament with 42 men’s and women’s matches over 17 days in true nation-versus-nation action and it should again be an outstanding and exciting showpiece,” he added.
ICC World Twenty20 Tournament Director Dr Ernest Hilaire said: “We have worked diligently to ensure that the ticket prices for the ICC World Twenty20 2010 are as competitive as possible and I think fans will agree that they are.
“I believe we will meet our primary objective of hosting sold-out matches in a truly Caribbean atmosphere.”
The decision to stage two ICC World Twenty20 events in successive years was taken by the ICC Board in October 2008 to ensure a better mix of tournaments over the coming years.
With the ICC Champions Trophy, postponed from last year and now taking place in September/October 2009, and the ICC Cricket World Cup, another 50-over event, set for 2011, the Board decided it made sense to programme an event of a different format as its major global event in 2010.
This approach also avoids staging the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Cricket World Cup close together, as happened in 2002-03 and 2006-07.
source - icc-cricket.com
And the side that defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets to lift the trophy at Lord’s last month will complete its opening group commitments at the same venue the following day against Australia.
The West Indies will begin the event in Guyana on 30 April against one of two qualifiers for the tournament, part of a double-header that will also feature Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
If the West Indies, also in a group with England, reaches the Super Eights, it will then go on to play in St Lucia and Barbados, something that would see the hosts play in all three locations for the men’s tournament.
India, the 2007 champions, will start its campaign to regain the crown with an encounter with the other qualifier in St Lucia on 1 May.
England’s women, who beat New Zealand to lift the inaugural ICC Women’s World Twenty20 title, start their push for back-to-back trophies against old rivals Australia in St Kitts on 5 May, the first day of matches in the women’s tournament.
Action will take place at four venues – Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia, with the former’s Kensington Oval hosting finals day on Sunday 16 May.
Tickets are set to go on sale in the Caricom market on 1 November 2009, with sales to the rest of the world commencing two weeks later, on 15 November. Tickets will be available via website, call centre, outlets and box office with further details to be announced in due course.
Looking ahead to next year’s ICC World Twenty20 West Indies 2010, West Indies Cricket Board President Dr Julian R Hunte said: “The ICC World Twenty20 has proven a successful and riveting event and the West Indies Cricket Board is pleased to host the third edition of this tournament next year.
“We look forward to it being even more spectacular than the previous ones and invite you to join us in the Caribbean.”
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “We have enjoyed two hugely successful events in this form of the game, first in 2007 in South Africa and last month in England, and I am certain next year’s action in the Caribbean will maintain, if not surpass, the successes of those previous global Twenty20 tournaments.
“One measure of success will be to fill the venues and to try to achieve this we have worked hard with the West Indies Cricket Board to ensure the ticket prices are extremely competitive.
“In Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and St Lucia we have four outstanding venues, something that was shown in 2007 when they hosted matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and we know that West Indian spectators enjoy the format as they have already embraced Twenty20 at domestic level.
“We also want to ensure spectators are able to enjoy the tournament and we will do everything we can to ensure the event is in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere in which people watch cricket in the Caribbean.
“I’m delighted we have retained the men’s and women’s tournaments in one event with the respective semi-finals and finals being played on the same days at the same venues. This will again provide women’s cricket with a great platform to showcase the talents of the top players.
“What I am looking forward to is another short, sharp tournament with 42 men’s and women’s matches over 17 days in true nation-versus-nation action and it should again be an outstanding and exciting showpiece,” he added.
ICC World Twenty20 Tournament Director Dr Ernest Hilaire said: “We have worked diligently to ensure that the ticket prices for the ICC World Twenty20 2010 are as competitive as possible and I think fans will agree that they are.
“I believe we will meet our primary objective of hosting sold-out matches in a truly Caribbean atmosphere.”
The decision to stage two ICC World Twenty20 events in successive years was taken by the ICC Board in October 2008 to ensure a better mix of tournaments over the coming years.
With the ICC Champions Trophy, postponed from last year and now taking place in September/October 2009, and the ICC Cricket World Cup, another 50-over event, set for 2011, the Board decided it made sense to programme an event of a different format as its major global event in 2010.
This approach also avoids staging the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Cricket World Cup close together, as happened in 2002-03 and 2006-07.
source - icc-cricket.com
Caribbean to undergo inspection for T20 World Cup
Kingston, June 28: An international contingent will pay a six-day visit to the Caribbean from tomorrow to inspect venues and measure arrangements being made for the next year`s Twenty20 World Cup.Venue inspections commence in Barbados and will move to Guyana the following day where the team will stay for two days before heading to St. Kitts on Wednesday.
They fly to St.Lucia on Friday where part of the inspection takes place at Beausejour Cricket Ground during the One-Day International between the West Indies and India.
The venue inspection tour concludes on July 4.
The venue inspection tour concludes on July 4. The team includes representatives of the West Indies Cricket Board, the WT20 2010 project team, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) and the official broadcasters.
"This is the first venue inspection for ICC WT20 West Indies 2010 and I believe the region is familiar with this process, particularly building on the experience of 2007.”
"This time around, we don`t have the task of constructing new stadia and that`s a major plus. However, there are still several elements which have to be put in place to host an event of this magnitude and we need to assess what must be done in the four host nations," said Tournament Director Ernest Hilaire.
"We have less than a year before the cricketing world comes to the Caribbean again and we intend to pace ourselves well in planning and executing cricket’s newest showpiece," he added.
SOURCE: zeecric
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