The New Zealand T20 cricket team is enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle ahead of Australia’s first International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the team was welcomed to Brisbane and Australia with a Traditional Welcome to Country ceremony at South Bank before the Kiwis met with World Cup volunteers and junior cricketers.
“The Men’s T20 World Cup means more Queensland jobs with up to 700 supported for each of the Super 12 stage match days at The Gabba,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“We’re thrilled to have the New Zealanders in Brisbane for the start of their first World Cup campaign in Australia.
“After the Kiwis’ eight wicket loss to Australia at last year’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai, we’re expecting the traditional trans-Tasman rivalry to boil over sooner, rather than later.
“It could happen as soon as Saturday, when both teams kick off their 2022 T20 World Cup campaigns, against each other in Sydney.”
The Gabba will host four Super 12 stage games over three days including:
- Bangladesh v Group B Winner – 1pm, Sunday 30 October 2022
- Australia v Group B Runner-Up – 6pm, Monday 31 October 2022
- Afghanistan v Group A Winner – 2pm, Tuesday 1 November 2022
- England v New Zealand – 6pm, Tuesday 1 November 2022
Seven warm-up matches are being played at The Gabba and Allan Border Field including Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
“The T20 World Cup will also pile runs on the board for Brisbane’s visitor economy,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“There’s never been a better time for fans of international cricket to pack a bag for Brisbane for an unforgettable sporting experience at the world-famous Gabba Fortress.
“Domestic and international visitors to The Gabba are predicted to generate up to $5 million for Brisbane accommodation and transport providers, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators.
“Before the pandemic, New Zealand was Queensland’s second biggest source of international visitors, and we look forward to welcoming more Kiwis back to the Sunshine State for great cricket and a world-class holiday.
“The Men’s T20 World Cup is part of Queensland’s legacy of international sport on our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games.
“I hope having the world’s best players on Queensland soil will inspire more young Queenslanders to get active with their local cricket club.”
From Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Geelong, 16 teams will play 45 matches in seven Australian host cities.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Michelle Enright said each host city was holding an official team welcome function.
“New Zealand is one of eight international teams that will play matches at the Gabba over four huge Super 12 stage match days,” said Ms Enright
“Their clash with England on November 1 is one that both teams will have circled on their calendars and shapes up as one of the marquee matches of the event.
“We are looking forward to welcoming fans from all over the world and right across Queensland for what will be an unmissable celebration of cricket over the four match days in Brisbane, where they’ll also see the home team, Australia in action on October 31.
“Tickets are great value for families, and we encourage everyone to get out and experience a home World Cup.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said hosting the world’s greatest cricketers will attract legions of local, national and international fans to the city.
“Cricket has such a loyal local and international fan base, and these matches will bring thousands of supporters to Brisbane who will visit our cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions, and experience the beautiful outdoor lifestyle Brisbane is famous for,” Cr Schrinner said.
Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson said they were pleased to welcome New Zealand as one of the international teams that will be playing in Brisbane as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“There’s a strong association with Brisbane and New Zealand Cricket, with Black Caps legends like Dan Vettori and Brendon McCullum playing leading roles in the history of the Brisbane Heat and White Ferns stars such as Amelia Kerr and her sister Jess currently with the Heat in the WBBL,” said Mr Svenson.
“We wish them all the best, as we do to all the teams which will be in action at The Gabba and Allan Border Field in the warm-up matches and then for the big Super 12 stage.”
For tickets, visit www.t20worldcup.com.
