CRICKET fans in the dale will be able to get up close and personal with the ICC World Cup trophy ahead of this year’s competition.
The trophy is to visit Raby Castle, in Staindrop, on April 6 as part of a 100-day tour which will head to all 11 Cricket World Cup venues and and more than 20 towns and cities.
The tour will start on February 19 and the trophy will be driven around England and Wales in a Nissan all-electric LEAF.
The trophy tour ends on May 29, the day before the tournament opener which sees England take on South Africa at The Oval.
Durham’s Riverside ground is one of those staging World Cup fixtures alongside grounds in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, Southampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Taunton.
Full details of the trophy visit to Raby Castle have yet to be confirmed, but there will be a number of open events throughout the tour where fans will get the opportunity to get close to the trophy.
The ICC will be offering the chance for three lucky fans to get a personal visit from the trophy during the tour.
Members of the public can nominate someone who they feel deserves to be recognised for their contribution to cricket and the wider community to win a visit from the trophy. More details can be found here.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 managing director, Steve Elworthy said: “We have seen an incredible response from supporters as it’s made its way around the world, visiting communities across numerous countries.
“The countdown to the tournament will feel very real when the trophy arrives in England and Wales, and we look forward to it visiting some iconic and special locations before the opening match on May 30.”
Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are thrilled the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy is visiting County Durham as part of its national tour. There is a proud cricketing tradition in the county and this will be an opportunity for fans to get up close to a piece of sporting history.
“We have designated 2019 a Year of Culture in County Durham to reflect the many arts, cultural and sporting events taking place over the next 12 months.
“Excitement is building for this summer’s tournament, especially the three games being played at the Riverside Ground, in Chester-le-Street.”
He added: “The trophy tour is sure to whet people’s appetites for the tournament and generate interest in cricket at a grassroots level.
“It will also attract even more people into the county, which will boost the local economy.”
For more information about the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, go to cricketworldcup.com.
