Major Cricketing Schedule Heads to Edgbaston
Edgbaston Stadium has been awarded some of the biggest fixtures in world cricket with a further 28 days of Major Matches allocated by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) between 2017 and 2019.
Highlights of the new ECB package includes the return of Test Match cricket at Edgbaston in all three years, with England set to take on West Indies in an Investec Test in 2017, India in 2018 and Australia in the Investec Ashes Series of 2019. Additionally, the ICC Champions Trophy (2017) and ICC Cricket World Cup (2019) will be played in Birmingham, with Edgbaston set to host five-match packages in both tournaments, which include a prestigious Semi-Final in both tournaments.
Colin Povey, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s fantastic news for us and for the city that some of the biggest fixtures will be played at Edgbaston over the next few years. Our thanks go to Birmingham City Council, our partners and all local stakeholders for their support with the bidding process.
“We have invested heavily in enhancing our customer experience, match day operations and local community engagement since the previous Major Match allocation, in 2011, and the progress that we have made has been reflected in this round of marquee fixtures awarded by the ECB.
“By hosting the final of ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and successive NatWest T20 Blast Finals Days, Edgbaston and Birmingham have proved that we can host the biggest events in world cricket and these days are set to bring huge economic benefit to the local economy.”
Following this latest boost for all at Edgbaston, in early 2015 the Club will bid for the ECB Major Match schedule in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. An announcement about these years will follow in the Spring.
Emma Gray, Director of Marketing Services at Visit Birmingham, the city’s official leisure tourism programme, said: “Birmingham has played host to some memorable sporting occasions in recent years. The ECB’s decision to award Edgbaston Stadium with another 28 days of international cricket is a great coup for the venue and city, providing further invaluable exposure to a global audience.
“From cricket and tennis, to football and athletics, Birmingham continues to cement its reputation as a world-class sporting destination – which is helping to attract record numbers of national and international visitors last year.
“With a range of high-profile matches scheduled to take place at Edgbaston, we look forward to welcoming fans from some of our most important visitor markets to enjoy some exciting cricket, along with a variety of local attractions, great food, shopping and accommodation.”
Ahead of this latest Major Match allocation, Edgbaston is set to host seven days of Major Match cricket in both of the next two years. In 2015 the stadium will host England in an Investec Ashes Test match against Australia, a Royal London ODI versus New Zealand and NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day.
In 2016, England will play at Edgbaston in an Investec Test Match versus Pakistan and a Royal London ODI against Sri Lanka, whilst it will again host NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day.
