The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the schedule of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, with the Cardiff Wales Stadium hosting four fixtures in June.
Cardiff will welcome, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, South Africa and World Cup Qualifier Champions Afghanistan.
The following pricing structure has been set by the ICC for these fixtures:
1 June – New Zealand v Sri Lanka (d) - adults from £18 to £75, juniors from £6 to £15
4 June – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka (d) - adults from £20 to £55, juniors from £6 to £15
8 June – England v Bangladesh (d) - adults from £40 to £135, juniors from £6 to £20
15 June – South Africa v Afghanistan (d/n) - adults from £20 to £75, juniors from £6 to £15
Glamorgan Chief Executive Hugh Morris said: “We have successfully hosted both the 2013 and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy tournaments and can’t wait for next year where once again we can showcase Wales to the world.
“We have a proud history of staging thrilling international matches played by the world’s best players in Cardiff and with these four fixtures we’re certain crowds will once again be entertained by fantastic cricket.
Welsh Government Minister for Culture Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support Cardiff and Glamorgan County Cricket Club in bringing the ICC Cricket World Cup to Wales again and we look forward to working with partners on delivering an outstanding experience for spectators and players over the summer.”
England will open the tournament at The Oval on 30 May when they will take on South Africa, while Australia will launch their title defence on 1 June against the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier champions Afghanistan in a day/night match in Bristol.
Old Trafford in Manchester and Edgbaston in Birmingham will stage the two semi-finals on 9 and 11 July, while Lord’s will play host to a World Cup final for the fifth time, on 14 July. All these three matches will have reserve days.
Eleven world-class venues will be used in the 46-day tournament in which each side will play the other once in a single-league format with the top four sides after 45 matches progressing to the semi-finals.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It’s always an exciting moment ahead of any major event to announce the schedule and for the ICC Cricket World Cup, it’s that extra special. Next summer fans around the world will be treated to compelling and competitive cricket as the best teams in the world go head to head in this round robin format for the right to be crowned World Champions.
“This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country. We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.”
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Managing Director Steve Elworthy said: “Today’s announcement of the schedule is another important moment in the build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – the moment that the tournament comes to life for teams and cricket lovers across the world. This is the flagship event in one day cricket.
“There are some fantastic head to head fixtures – England v Australia at Lord’s and India v Pakistan at Old Trafford as well as England v India at Edgbaston spring to mind. As organisers we can promise the teams and fans we will work hard to provide the perfect stage for this event.
“Because of the UK’s diverse population, every competing team will also be guaranteed a ‘home crowd’ every time they play at some of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.
“The Cricket World Cup is the third most watched global event and has huge interest and appeal amongst cricket fans. Our ambition is to grow the game and deliver the greatest ever cricket celebration and with that in mind we have very carefully developed our ticket prices. The prices have been tested with thousands of fans over the last six months, we have used external experts and consulted widely to ensure that they are good value vs other global sporting events. The prices balance accessibility with delivering the investment required to deliver a world class event. All revenue is invested back in the game to grow cricket.”