100 days to go until 2015 Cricket World Cup

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant and Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres today marked the 100 days to go milestone before one of the world’s biggest sporting events hits Sydney – the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket World Cup.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup will be the largest global sporting event of 2015 and will further cement Sydney’s reputation as the major events capital of Australia, while providing another bonanza for both sports fans and businesses throughout NSW,” Mr Grant said.

“As Australia’s global city, with the world’s most beautiful harbour and world class sporting venues, Sydney is an ideal location for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“And regional NSW will also share in the experience, with today’s launch marking the beginning of the World Cup trophy’s tour across the nation, starting on Sydney Harbour.

“Over the next couple of months, the trophy will tour communities across the State, including Broken Hill, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Bowral, and Queanbeyan.”

Mr Ayres said NSW was more than ready to welcome cricket’s most prestigious global tournament in its return to Australia after 23 years.

“The Sydney Cricket Ground is without a doubt one of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see the world’s best players and teams going head to head in our own backyard,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney will play a major part in the staging of the event by hosting three pool matches – one game including Australia – as well as a quarter final and a semi-final.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup is expected to attract a global television audience of more than one billion people, showcasing our high-quality sporting credentials and venues world-wide.”

Fourteen teams will compete in the ICC Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Tickets are available to all the big matches at the SCG pool, with children’s prices starting at just $5 and adults from $20. To follow the trophy’s tour across NSW, visit: www.cricketworldcup.com