On the eve of the start of the Cricket World Cup in Wales, chief executive Hugh Morris says it is a ‘great privilege’ to host Cricket World Cup matches.
The Cardiff Wales Stadium has already held three warm-up matches and over the course of the next fortnight will host four group stage games. With the world’s best teams on show in Wales and each match virtually sold out, Morris hopes the tournament will leave a legacy which will help grow the game in Wales.
“It’s really exciting to have the Cricket World Cup here in Wales,” said Morris. “It is the third biggest global sporting event, so we are delighted to have four group stage matches over the next two weeks.
“It’s the first time we have hosted the Cricket World Cup in England and Wales for 20 years and we probably won’t be hosting it for another 20. It’s a big deal, and to have so many games here at Cardiff is a great privilege and we are looking forward to welcoming the best cricketers in the world.
“Given that it’s a sell-out across the tournament I think it’s going to be an extremely vibrant event. I think everyone who comes to it will really enjoy it, and hopefully it is going to leave a bit of a legacy to grow the game, particularly in Wales.”
England face Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday, 8th June and Morris is excited to host the world’s number one ranked ODI team and is hoping Cardiff will be a good omen for England who have a strong international record in the Welsh capital.
“It’s always good to host England in Wales, they have a very good and proud record here at Cardiff as well. They are favourites, they are at home and they are in a rich vein of form at the moment. They look a very strong side at the moment, it would be a brave person to bet against them."