Headingley to host four World Cup matches
Headingley has been chosen to host four games during the 2019 ICC World Cup when it starts in May – including a semi-final.
The Leeds venue will play host to England vs Sri Lanka on 21 June, Pakistan vs Afghanistan on 29 June, Afghanistan vs West Indies on 4 July, and Sri Lanka vs India on 6 July.
Mark Arthur, Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive, said: “The club are delighted to be hosting four prestigious fixtures in next year’s ICC World Cup. Headingley will be transformed ahead of the tournament as we look forward to welcoming England, Pakistan, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
“Headingley has had a history of staging thrilling matches featuring these nations and look forward to welcoming qualifiers Afghanistan. We can guarantee that the Yorkshire public will be extremely enthusiastic about today’s announcement and get behind the teams in next year’s tournament.”
Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “We are delighted to be a part of the world’s greatest cricket celebration with four fantastic fixtures here at Headingley. The whole city is excited to be part of the Cricket World Cup and to welcome a global audience to Leeds.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will be staged in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July. England will open the tournament at The Oval on 30 May when they will take on South Africa.
Old Trafford in Manchester and Edgbaston in Birmingham will stage the two semi-finals on 9 and 11 July, while Lord’s will play host to a World Cup final for the fifth time, on 14 July. All these three matches will have reserve days.
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.”
