Adelaide Oval will host a week-long festival of cricket for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020 including a blockbuster double header of current World No. 1 Pakistan versus defending champions West Indies, followed by an Australia match.
The fixture, released today, also confirms Afghanistan – including world number one ranked T20 bowler Rashid Khan – will play in Adelaide’s opening match against South Africa on Sunday November 1.
Women’s teams from Australia, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa will play at Karen Rolton Oval as part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches next February.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway, said the fixture was a major coup for Adelaide, which will host 10 different teams – more than any other Australian city – across seven matches, generating an expected $50 million for the state’s economy.
“Adelaide is well-regarded as a premier destination for world-class tourism and sporting events, and we look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in the fastest-growing form of the game,” said Minister Ridgway.
“The schedule, which will see Adelaide Oval host seven of the world’s top eight men’s teams in the crucial final week before the semi-finals, includes a headline game between Pakistan and West Indies on Tuesday November 3 and is expected to attract significant interest from interstate and international guests.”
Adelaide will host a men’s semi-final on November 12, and six Super 12 matches in the lead-up to the final’s series for the Australian debut of the ICC T20 World Cup.
It is the first time the men’s and women’s tournaments will be held as standalone events in the same country in the same year.
“For the women’s warm up matches, we’re thrilled to welcome such an esteemed line-up for five matches over four days at Karen Rolton Oval, Park 25 (Narnungga) in February,” said Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Corey Wingard.
“Tickets for the women’s tournament are just $10, while all children’s tickets are free, which will make this international standard event even more accessible to fans and visitors and gives local junior cricketers a front-row seat to see their idols in action.
“It is events like these, complemented by the Marshall Government’s commitment to inject up to $24 million into grassroots infrastructure and building upgrades over the next two years, which will ensure our state’s sporting credentials continue to bat above the national average.”
South Australian Cricket Association chief executive Keith Bradshaw said the draw was exciting for spectators.
“We are delighted to host so many of the men’s teams, including Australia, in what will be a week-long cricket bonanza at Adelaide Oval, starting with our Adelaide Strikers superstar Rashid Khan representing Afghanistan,” said Mr Bradshaw.
“To also be awarded a prized Semi Final highlights the reputation of Adelaide Oval as a leading venue for cricket events, backed by magnificent support from the fans.”
“Having our world champion Australian women’s team play one of the warm-up games at our new Karen Rolton Oval will create great excitement leading into the women’s event.”
ICC T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee chief executive Nick Hockley said Adelaide had the perfect setting and experience required for a successful series.
“With outstanding new facilities at Karen Rolton Oval to complement the world-renowned Adelaide Oval, Adelaide promises to be a spectacular Host City for the T20 World Cup in 2020,” Mr Hockley said.
“We know from the Cricket World Cup in 2015 that fans and visitors of all generations and cultures can expect an incredible experience in Adelaide.
“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the South Australian Government, and all our valued partners in Adelaide, to ensure the T20 World Cup is a huge success in 2020 and leaves a positive lasting impact.”
Fans can register for priority access to Women’s tickets at www.T20WorldCup.com prior to the public release – tickets go on sale to the public on February 21, 2019. Ticket information for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 will be released later in 2019.
