January 2018
Sydney’s 14 show-stopping cricket games scheduled for the world-class ICC World T20 2020 tournament are set to boost cricket participation and local cricket facilities across NSW thanks to a $6 million funding allocation which formed part of the successful bid.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said Sydney’s host role of the T20 tournament kicking off in February 2020 will include the opening ceremony and three out of the four men’s and women’s semi-finals.
“Sydney has secured more games than any other host city of the T20 tournament and we are expecting 37,000 interstate and international visitors to inject around $46 million into the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“The strong focus of our bid on the Women’s World Cup has seen Sydney secure the opening ceremony, both semi finals and the most tournament matches of any state.
“To ensure we deliver long term benefits to local communities we’ve established the World T20 Legacy Funding Program which will deliver up to $6 million over three years to support facility development in local clubs as well as increase female participation in the sport.
“The WT20 Legacy Funding Program is intended to deliver long term benefits to NSW communities and has the potential to support all cricket participants – from grassroots through to elite athletes.
“Work to develop guidelines is now under way and councils and local clubs will be invited to apply for funding for programs and infrastructure next financial year.”
Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer of the ICC World T20 Local Organising Committee said that NSW has a rich history of attracting world-class cricket.
“The opening ceremony will be held in Sydney on 21 February 2020 at Sydney Showground Stadium with the World T20t expected to reach a global audience of more than a billion people.” Mr Hockley said.
“Currently, almost 400,000 players participate in grass roots cricket in NSW, and we are confident that the World T20 will draw in more players at all levels to the sport.”
Sydney will host seven women’s matches commencing February 2020, followed by seven men’s matches beginning in October at Sydney Showground Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“It’s fitting the women’s tournament will be featured as a standalone event, following on from the massive success of the women’s Big Bash League across the state.”