Australia and New Zealand bid for 2011 World Cup

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket today announced a joint bid to host the 2011 International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket World Cup.

The two countries jointly hosted the Cricket World Cup in 1992 and have made the decision to bid for 2011 following detailed collaborative discussion and planning.

James Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, said: “Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket are united in their belief that the right to host the 2011 ICC World Cup is one of the great prizes in our sport.

“Our joint vision is to set new standards for the delivery and presentation of this fantastic festival of sport. We believe that no event has the capacity to unite cricket’s diverse cultures like the ICC World Cup.

“Australia and New Zealand have a proven track record for the presentation and seamless delivery of world-class sporting events. We know that this is a highly competitive bidding process. However, united by a common goal, we hope the ICC will award the 2011 ICC World Cup to Australia and New Zealand.”

Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket, said: ”We are confident that we have a world class bid. Both countries have the capability to host an outstanding event. We have fantastic venues, solid infrastructure and professional staff who are experienced in event management at the highest level.

“I am grateful to the strong support we have received from Governments on both sides of the Tasman. In New Zealand the Prime Minister, Minister of Sport, Minister of Finance and other ministers have gone to great efforts to support our bid, as have local councils, venues, and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

“The World Cup would provide significant cricketing, promotional and financial benefits to the game in both New Zealand and Australia.”

The host of the ICC 2011 World Cup will be confirmed in July 2006 at the ICC’s annual conference. The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is due to take place in February and March of that year.

Cricket Australia is delighted that the Australian Federal Government and the Victorian and Tasmanian State Governments have, at this early stage, made formal commitments of support to the bid. High-level planning and discussion with the other State and Territory Governments has been highly productive and is ongoing.

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have an agreed philosophy that matches will be shared equally between the two countries. No decision has yet been made on the location or venue of the World Cup Final.

Both countries have an exemplary record of showcasing world class one-day cricket competitions. Most recently, Australia hosted the triangular VB Series at six world-class cricketing venues.

In October 2005, Australia hosted the Johnnie Walker Super Series. Also in 2005, at very short notice, Australia hosted the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match, where the ICC World XI played an Asian Cricket Council XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.