Glamorgan delight at Champions Trophy package

By Richard Thomas

The Swalec Stadium has been awarded five ICC Champions Trophy matches next season including one of the semi-finals. Cardiff will host the event alongside Edgbaston and The Kia Oval.

It is understood the opening match of the tournament will be held in Cardiff and is set to be a clash between India and South Africa.

Glamorgan have effectively swapped a Test match against New Zealand in May (now being staged by Lord’s) for the five one-day clashes. It is seen as financially more viable for the county after they lost more than £1m hosting England’s Test against Sri Lanka in May last year.

“We were delighted to be given the opportunity of hosting the Champions Trophy and to welcome the best teams in the world to Cardiff,” said Glamorgan chairman Barry O’Brien.

“This is a great time for Welsh sport, and to mark our 125th anniversary in 2013 as a host venue to the best cricketers from around the globe is a real accolade for us.”

Giles Clarke, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman, said: “I am delighted that the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 will be staged in England and in Wales. Cardiff is an established international cricketing venue and I am sure the tournament will do much to benefit the reputation and standing of Welsh sport.”

Last September the ECB awarded Glamorgan a Gold Package, which ensured a further 17 days of major match cricket over the next five years – including an Ashes Test match in 2015 and now the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

Prior to the fixtures in 2013, Glamorgan will stage this year’s England v South Africa NatWest one-day international on Friday August 24 and on the following day the Friends Life t20 Finals Day.
 

Date: 01/06/2012 12:50:30 by Richard Thomas
In: Today | Glamorgan |