Garden City hosts Under-19 Cricket World Cup

Christchurch will be hosting two groups and the finals of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January.

The top 16 youth cricket teams from around the globe will gather in Christchurch on 9 January 2010 for the start of the eighth edition of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

The teams will then compete in play-offs around the country starting January 19, with the top eight teams contesting the Super League in Christchurch towards the end of the month. The Super League Final will be played in Christchurch on 30 January.

Participating teams include the 10 full ICC Member countries (Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe) plus the top six Associate countries (Ireland, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Canada, USA and Hong Kong) who qualified through a tournament played in Toronto, Canada, in September 2009.

“Christchurch, given its commitment to cricket, fits the criteria perfectly to host this major international championship,” says John Filsell, Manager, Recreation & Sports with the Christchurch City Council.

Canterbury is the most successful province in inter-provincial competition and is top ranked in the top 20 worldwide in provincial cricket by the ICC, says Mr Filsell.

"We are thrilled to be involved as a host for the final round of this World Cup," says Mr Filsell. "We look forward to working with New Zealand Cricket and Canterbury Cricket in hosting a first-class event and providing a memorable experience for the junior athletes, fans, and the Christchurch community."

After arriving in New Zealand, the 16 teams will travel to Christchurch to attend the opening ceremony as well as play some warm-up matches. The teams will then disperse to designated venues around the country for their play-offs before heading back to Christchurch for the Super League finals.

The teams will play pool rounds in groups of four, with two groups based in Christchurch, one group in Queenstown and the fourth group in Palmerston North. The group matches will decide which top eight teams will contest the Super League title in Christchurch and which eight teams will travel to Napier to contest the Plate competition.

New Zealand last hosted the U19 World Cup in 2002, which Australia won after 16 teams played 54 games.