The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 was today launched in Wellington with 44 days to go for the 16-team event that brings together future stars who will compete across four cities and seven venues in New Zealand from 13 January to 3 February. The function was attended by Hon Grant Robertson, Minister for Sports and Recreation of New Zealand, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White and Event Brand Ambassador Corey Anderson among others.

Details of the Trophy Tour for the tournament were also revealed during the event, which was attended by current players from the New Zealand and the Windies sides, who are due to play in the first match of their two-Test series at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from Friday.

The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour will commence in Wellington on 1 December and after several school and club visits to create awareness about the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and to drive attendances, will culminate in Lincoln on 13 December. Entry is free for all matches of the 22-day tournament, which will give cricket fans in New Zealand an opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today.

The Windies are the defending champions of the tournament, which is widely acknowledged as a platform to inspire the next generation of cricketers and fans. Australia and India have been most successful in the tournament, winning the title three times each. Pakistan are the only side to have defended the title when they emerged victorious in the 2004 and 2006 editions while England and South Africa are the other teams to have won the tournament.

Courtesy:ICC