The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup has been officially opened at a welcome ceremony in Christchurch.
Representatives of the 16 teams competing at the tournament, along with officials from ICC, New Zealand Cricket and other partners in the event, gathered at the Christchurch Art Gallery to be greeted by traditional Maori songs and haka.
The Captains of the teams were also joined by BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori, for photographs with the impressive silver trophy which one of the captains will take home in three weeks time.
In opening the tournament, New Zealand Cricket President Denis Currie told guests that for the ICC, this competition was one of the most prestigious events on the international cricket calendar.
“During these next few weeks on cricket fields throughout this country, we will witness the success and outstanding abilities of the superstars of world cricket tomorrow,” Mr Currie said.
“New Zealand Cricket is privileged to host this wonderful event,” “Popularity and interest in cricket on the world scene has never been at such a high level, and for all the players taking part in this tournament there are tremendous opportunities for personal success in the years ahead.”
Justin Vaughan, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive, and member of the ICC Chief Executive’s Committee, also noted the significance of the tournament in the development of the game.
“The Under-19 World Cup is particularly important to the ICC,” he said. “It’s a great showcase for the best young cricketers in the world, and it’s a really important way to grow the game of cricket throughout the world.
“The 2010 event is the eighth ICC Under-19 World Cup. Each of the past events has uncovered new cricketing stars that have graced the international stage, right from the first event in 1988 held in Australia.
“That event featured players like Brian Lara, Mike Atherton and Inzamam-ul-Haq. And since that time, events have introduced players to the world such as Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Graeme Smith – and in the last event New Zealand’s Tim Southee was player of the tournament. All have gone on to have quite significant international careers.
“I am certain that the millions watching this event through ESS worldwide will be just as fascinated to see which stars emerge after the next three weeks of competition.”
Vaughan also paid tribute to the efforts of associate nations that had qualified for the event. “This event in New Zealand has the 10 full ICC members represented, but importantly they are joined by the six best associate Under-19 teams.
“It is great to see the United States, Canada, Ireland, Afghanistan, Ireland and Papua New Guinea joining the full 10 members to compete in this tournament. Those six associates all earned their spot through a tough qualifying tournament in Canada in September last year – so well done for making it here.”
The tournament is expected to reach a huge global audience, with ICC broadcast partner ESPN Star Sports (ESS) carrying live broadcast of the 10 matches to be played at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, near Christchurch.
Live scoring, highlights and other features from the event will be available at the tournament website, www.iccevents.yahoo.com.
* International U19 captains with Daniel Vettori
* The U19 World Cup trophy
* New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan speaks at the U19 opening ceremony
* New Zealand Cricket President Denis Currie speaks at the U19 opening ceremony
