ICC World Cricket League Inspection Visit
The Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] said they are “pleased with a successful and productive” inspection visit of Bermuda by the International Cricket Council [ICC] Development Events Manager, Edward Fitzgibbon.
Minister of Youth, Families and Sports Glenn Blakeney said, “I wish to publicly congratulate all stakeholders involved in preparation for the world cup qualifying tournament next year.
“Mr. Fitzgibbon inspected several potential host venues and practice venues during his visit and measured these venues against objective criteria used for international ICC events.
“When Government supported the BCB in the bidding process for this competition it recognized the opportunity to provide a boost to tourism in the shoulder season in 2013. It is expected that a minimum of 150 people will be coming to our beautiful shores to compete/participate in this event.
“I take this opportunity to again encourage all of Bermuda to support its national team in its efforts to return to the ICC High Performance Programme and ODI and enjoy some great cricket in April 2013.”
The 3 successful venues for hosting WCL 3 games are:
- National Sports Centre
- St. David’s County Cricket Club
- Somerset Cricket Club
BCB 2nd Vice President, Nyon Steede stated, “On behalf of the President of the Bermuda Cricket Board I would like to thank the ICC for the positive assessment of our cricket facilities and infrastructure and to Government for its foresight and assistance in securing this major competition. Also, I would like to thank the clubs, volunteers and Board members that have allowed for a smooth inspection process.
“Bermuda should anticipate the excitement and engagement of the cricket community in delivering a memorable event. I urge the public to support and take pride in the international recognition that hosting an event such as this brings and we look forward to Bermuda returning to the top flight of international senior cricket.”
Minister Blakeney’s full statement follows below:
Good Afternoon!
As you know, Bermuda has been selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the Pepsi World Cricket League Division 3 Tournament next year; and as I have noted in previous press statements, the World Cricket League Division 3 is a 6 nation event, played over one week, and will serve as the final qualifier for ICC Associate and Affiliate countries to the World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand in 2014.
At the New Zealand event 2 countries will win the opportunity to compete at the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia & New Zealand in 2015.
Today, I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Edward Fitzgibbon, ICC’s Development Events Manager, has paid a special visit to Bermuda this week to inspect our facilities in advance of next year’s Division 3 Tournament, which is scheduled to take place at the end of April 2013.
The BCB has informed me that his inspection visit has been very successful and productive, and that he is suitably impressed by our Island and our cricket facilities.
I wish to publicly congratulate all stakeholders involved in preparation for the world cup qualifying tournament next year. Mr. Fitzgibbon inspected several potential host venues and practice venues during his visit and measured these venues against objective criteria used for international ICC events.
I understand that our venues have received high marks – as Mr. Fitzgibbon will explain further in a few moments.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the 3 successful venues for hosting WCL Division 3 games next year are the National Sports Centre; St. David’s Cricket Club; and Somerset Cricket Club.
The awarding of international games to these 3 fields is conditional on some minor upgrades and criteria that each host will have to fulfill before final sign-off. I am also pleased to note that Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club has been designated as the Stand-by Venue for the Tournament.
Further, I can reveal that Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club, Western Stars Cricket Club and St. Georges Cricket Club have all been approved for practice matches prior to the official tournament dates.
When Government supported the BCB in the bidding process for this competition it recognized the opportunity to provide a boost to tourism in the shoulder season in 2013. It is expected that a minimum of 150 people will be coming to our beautiful shores to compete/participate in this event.
A significant number of supporters are also expected to come and rally behind their teams. Furthermore, I have already been advised that teams from several countries wish to arrive in Bermuda a minimum of 10 days before the official support period, which should serve to increase even further the demand for local accommodation associated with this global event.
I can also confirm that the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel has been appointed as the official Tournament hotel. The Fairmont is an outstanding property with a wealth of experience of hosting athletes and support staff and I am confident that they will do Bermuda proud.
As title sponsor of the ICC World Cricket League, Pepsi will be providing significant product and marketing involvement to the competing countries and event officials. I thank them for their valued contribution.
This international sporting event is an important opportunity for Bermuda to showcase not only its cricket players and our enthusiasm for cricket, but also a unique opportunity to demonstrate that Bermuda is a premier venue for hosting regular one-day international (ODI) cricket for cricketing nations around the world.
I take this opportunity to again encourage all of Bermuda to support its national team in its efforts to return to the ICC High Performance Programme and ODI and enjoy some great cricket in April 2013.
Thank you.
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