Eyes of the World on Cardiff as Champions Trophy Fixtures Released

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced the full fixture schedule for 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, which begins in Cardiff on June 6th 2013, with a heavyweight clash between current ICC World Cup holders, India, and South Africa, winners of the inaugural Champions Trophy tournament in 1998

An anticipated global television audience in excess of 100 million is expected to watch the opening fixture of the 50 Overs-a-side competition, as Cardiff is once again in the spotlight of the cricketing world.

Cardiff, Edgbaston and The Oval will each host five matches in the competition which will see the eight teams divided into two pools of four. Group A will feature Australia, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka with India, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies contesting Group B.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, hosted at The Oval and Cardiff, with the winners then progressing to the ICC Champions Trophy Final at Edgbaston on Sunday June 23rd.

In addition to the opening fixture of the competition and the semi final, Cardiff will also host England versus New Zealand on June 16, whilst South Africa and New Zealand are certain of a second visit to the home of Glamorgan Cricket as they also face West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively at the venue during the group stages.

Tournament Director, Steve Elworthy commented “This will be a terrific opportunity for fans to see the world’s very best One-Day sides in action over the space of less than three weeks and the fixture schedule has thrown up a host of exciting head-to-head contests.

“The format means every match counts and all eight teams will feel that they are capable of winning the tournament in a competition which is set to be one of the highlights of the 2013 international calendar. “

Glamorgan Cricket Chairman Barry O’Brien said, “The opportunity to stage ICC Champions Trophy fixtures in Cardiff is an exciting one.

““This is a great time for Welsh sport, and to mark our 125th anniversary as a host venue to the best cricketers from around the globe is a real accolade for us.”

The Right Honourable Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales said, “We are delighted that Wales will join our neighbours England in hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Players, media & supporters can anticipate a great experience at the matches hosted in Cardiff.

“The tournament will ensure the international spotlight is once again shining on Cardiff and the global television audience will help further raise Wales International profile and reputation in the major events arena"