Cricket is back in a big way in the north-east, with Wangaratta Sports Precinct set to play host to a precursor event ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup next month.
The Wangaratta T20 Cricket World Cup Preparation Tournament, to be held from October 3 to 9, is one of 16 sporting events pencilled in across the state as part of the state government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.
Up to 60 cricketers will take part in the three-day tournament, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held nationwide from October 16.
Other events receiving funding as part of the program include the Oceania and National Paras and Vision Impaired Archery Championships in Mulgrave (April 1-4), the Australian National Badminton Championships in Eaglehawk (April 10-15), and the Modern Pentathlon Australia National Championships in Caulfield (April 22-24).
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the event would be of great benefit to the region.
“I’m delighted the Victorian Government is helping bring the best cricketers to Wangaratta,” Symes said.
“I encourage the community to come along and enjoy this action-packed event right in our own backyard.
“When competitors, support teams, families and spectators come to town, the benefits are felt right across the community.”
Since December 2014, the government’s Significant Sporting Events Program has secured more than 460 events, with more than 224 staged in regional Victoria.