Cobham Oval gets green light from ICC

Whangarei’s Cobham Oval has been approved by the International Cricket Council to hold international cricket matches.

The approval followed an ICC inspection in June by ICC Match Referee Alan Hurst who submitted a positive report to the ICC and in a letter to New Zealand Cricket said he was “impressed with the facilities”

Northland Cricket Chief Executive Gary Bell said the decision was a major breakthrough for the association who are excited about the prospect of hosting international cricket.

“We are delighted to have gained ICC approval to host international cricket,” said Bell.

“A lot of hard work has gone into the ground including creating a separate players’ pavilion with more space and comfort. One large piece of work was increasing the grass net area and using the soil to reshape the embankment to increase capacity to 5,500.

“The decision is not only great for Northland Cricket but the region in general with additional visitors attracted to the region once we start hosting events.

“Northland Cricket wish to acknowledge the tremendous support from NZC, Northern Districts and the Whangarei District Council to achieve this outcome”