Edgbaston lands World Cup semi-final tie

Edgbaston has been chosen to host five games during the 2019 ICC World Cup when it starts on 30 May – including a semi-final.

The Birmingham venue will play host to New Zealand vs South Africa on 19 June, New Zealand vs Pakistan on 26 June, England vs India on 30 June, Bangledesh vs India on 2 July and one of the semi-finals on 11 July.

Neil Snowball, chief executive of Warwickshire CCC, said: “There’s no bigger tournament in the game than the ICC Cricket World Cup and next year will be the first time that it’s been hosted in England and Wales for 20 years.

“Edgbaston as a stadium, and Birmingham as a city, have both experienced major redevelopment since the 1999 tournament and we are now one of the best equipped and most experienced destinations in the United Kingdom to host global sporting events. These five games will be tremendous occasions that will be celebrated across the city, particularly England’s game against India which is one of the headline games of the tournament.

“As hosts, England have a great record and love playing at ‘Fortress Edgbaston’, having won their last seven games in Birmingham across all three formats. However, it was India who took the spoils in the last meeting between the nations in an ICC global event in Birmingham, by securing the ICC Champions Trophy in the 2013 final by just five runs.

“We’re very excited to play such an important role in, what will be, a momentous period for cricket in England and Wales.”

Edgbaston hosted three games in the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, including the legendary tied semi-final between Australia and South Africa, but it also played a lead role in both recent ICC Champions Trophy tournaments, in 2013 and 2017.

Steve Hollingworth, service director for sport at Birmingham City Council, said: “We have a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable cricket audience here in Birmingham, it’s great that we continue to attract international cricket to the city at the Edgbaston Stadium. Events like the ICC Cricket World Cup showcase the best of Birmingham to a global audience.”

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It’s always an exciting moment ahead of any major event to announce the schedule and for the ICC Cricket World Cup. Next summer fans around the world will be treated to compelling and competitive cricket as the best teams in the world go head to head in this round-robin format for the right to be crowned World Champions.

“This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world-class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country. We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.”

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