October 2008
Sports Resources > Latest sports news > October 2008 > INTERNATIONAL CRICKET WOMEN'S WORLD CUP LAUNCHED
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET WOMEN'S WORLD CUP LAUNCHED
29 October 2008Australian cricketers are set to defend their World Champions status as the International Cricket Council Women's World Cup was launched today in Sydney.
The NSW Government used the launch as a chance to urge all Australians to get excited and back our national team next March.
Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene said all matches will be played in NSW and the ACT, providing a great opportunity for local families and cricket fans to attend.
"I am ecstatic NSW has been chosen to host the World Cup, because it's the success of our women cricketers that makes us the perfect venue for the World Cup," he said.
"In fact, it was Newcastle cricket legend Belinda Clark who captained Australia to World Cup success in 1997 and in 2005 in South Africa."
The ICC Women's World Cup has been running for longer than the men's version and involves the world's top eight teams - Australia, India, New Zealand, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.
The best six matches from the 16-day tournament will be broadcast in 100 countries, putting our talented players and world class venues into the international spotlight.
Mr Greene said NSW has some of the country's best grounds and they'll be available for use leading into and during the tournament.
"The six venues for World Cup matches are North Sydney Oval, Bankstown Oval, Newcastle No.1 Sports Ground, Drummoyne Oval, Manuka Oval in Canberra and Bradman Oval in Bowral.
"The first game will be played at North Sydney Oval on March 8 between Australia and New Zealand.
"I hope that young girls and women will see the Women's World Cup players as role models and learn the many benefits of participation in team sport.
"Australia has a proud history of staging successful international events we'll be working with the ICC, Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW to showcase the global enthusiasm and interest in women's cricket.
"This is an opportunity to embrace elite women's sport that must not be missed so I urge all Australians to show their support for the 2009 Cup and get behind our team."