ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup launched
The ICC Under-19 World Cup cricket tournament, to be held in New Zealand from January 15-30, was officially launched at University Oval.
India will defend the title in the 16-team competition and open their campaign by taking on qualifier Afghanistan at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, near Christchurch on the opening day.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, speaking on this occasion, pointed to the event's track record as a launching pad for future stars of international cricket.
"This is the platform for future cricket stars and the most important event the teenagers will play at this stage in their careers. It's been shown over and over that a number of players come through this event, and very shortly afterwards they're on the international arena in a meaningful way," Lorgat said.
"We've pencilled this in as one of our major events going into the future. The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup deserves to be put alongside the World Cup, ICC Twenty20, Champions Trophy and the Women's World Cup," Lorgat added.
In addition to 10 full members, there are six associate and affiliate teams, who have won their respective regional qualifying tournaments as well as the global qualifier, which was held in Canada in September, an ICC release said.
India will defend the title in the 16-team competition and open their campaign by taking on qualifier Afghanistan at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, near Christchurch on the opening day.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, speaking on this occasion, pointed to the event's track record as a launching pad for future stars of international cricket.
"This is the platform for future cricket stars and the most important event the teenagers will play at this stage in their careers. It's been shown over and over that a number of players come through this event, and very shortly afterwards they're on the international arena in a meaningful way," Lorgat said.
"We've pencilled this in as one of our major events going into the future. The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup deserves to be put alongside the World Cup, ICC Twenty20, Champions Trophy and the Women's World Cup," Lorgat added.
In addition to 10 full members, there are six associate and affiliate teams, who have won their respective regional qualifying tournaments as well as the global qualifier, which was held in Canada in September, an ICC release said.