ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 showcased in Dubai

DUBAI- The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 trophy will be showcased in Dubai this week as part of the official launch of Victoria Week.

The ICC Cricket World Cup, one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar next year, will see a total of 49 matches hosted across 14 venues – seven in Australia and seven in New Zealand. Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, will play host to five matches including the final in March at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Joining the Victoria Week celebrations in Dubai will be John Harnden, Chief Executive Officer of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee.

John Butler, Victorian Commissioner to the Middle East and Africa and Turkey, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming John as part of our Victoria Week celebrations and to give people the opportunity to see the trophy at our official launch adds to the overall excitement.

“Melbourne has been named the world’s Ultimate Sports City a number of times ahead of some of the leading cities in the world. It is well known as the sporting capital of Australia and cricket forms such an important part of the city’s sporting calendar.”

The United Arab Emirates cricket team qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup earlier this year and will play their opening match against Zimbabwe on February 19 in New Zealand.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the biggest sports events in the world and will attract a massive global audience, especially for the final in Melbourne on March 29 next year,” Mr Harnden said. “We’re delighted to welcome the visiting teams and fans, including the team from the UAE who overcame stiff opposition to qualify for the tournament.”

The ICC Cricket World Cup trophy was designed and produced in London by a team of craftsmen from Garrard & Co over a period of two months. It is made from silver and gilt, and features a golden globe held up by three silver columns. The columns, shaped as stumps and bails, represent the three fundamental aspects of cricket: batting, bowling and fielding, while the globe represents a cricket ball.

Victoria Week is a week-long programme that includes a host of activities and events to promote the best Victoria has to offer the Middle East region across trade and investment, food and beverage, tourism and sport.