The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will officially kick off in Cardiff on Friday 31 May when the city comes together in a record-breaking attempt at a catch relay to deliver the official tournament ball to the two Team Captains of the first match in the city – New Zealand will be facing Sri Lanka on Saturday 01 June at Cardiff Wales Stadium.
• The opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Cardiff between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be celebrated throughout the city with ‘The Ultimate Delivery’ on Friday 31 May 2019.
• The official tournament ball is to be transported by the local community in a record-breaking attempt at a catching relay before being handed over to the two competing Captains of the next day’s opening match in the city – New Zealand v Sri Lanka
• Call-out for the people of the city to join this unique The Ultimate Delivery event.
The tournament ball is being sent by train from Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Home of Cricket, and the relay will start its journey from Cardiff Central Station.
Organisers of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup are looking for volunteers to link-up and join the record-breaking attempt at the longest catching relay as the ball weaves its way through the streets of Cardiff past famous landmarks including the Principality Stadium, Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle culminating at the Cardiff Wales Stadium.
For The Ultimate Delivery it doesn’t matter if you’re a cricket fanatic or a total newbie, the organisers want all of Cardiff to be represented, from community legends to local schools and sporting greats in this unique event.
On arrival at Cardiff Wales Stadium representatives from competing teams, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, will be on-hand to receive the ball and all those who have supported The Ultimate Delivery will be invited to a celebratory event.
The Ultimate Delivery is part of a nationwide celebration of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in which all 10 world class host cities will bring the tournament to life in iconic locations to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury, said, “Cardiff is hugely proud and excited to be welcoming the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to the city and to have the ball arriving in record-breaking style in The Ultimate Delivery will be a great experience for all those involved.
“Cardiff has a strong sport and cricketing heritage and we hope ‘The Ultimate Delivery’ event will connect, entertain and inspire both the local community and travelling supporters of the Cricket World Cup. We look forward to welcoming sports fans young and old to take part, creating a truly memorable event for the entire city,” he concluded.
Managing Director of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, Steve Elworthy, said:
“The British public always get behind global events and The Ultimate Delivery will allow cricket fans, sports fans and Cardiff fans to come together to celebrate the Cricket World Cup.
“The support from our Host Cities has been phenomenal, and we’re delighted to be able to continue these strong partnerships with a ground-breaking fan engagement plan throughout the tournament.
“The Ultimate Delivery is a celebration of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup that will engage fans in the unique culture and hospitality that Cardiff has to offer,” he added.