Kensington Oval has been chosen as one of the venues for next year’s T20 World Cup, following what the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) said was a compelling bid to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The ICC on Friday announced the locations for the June 4-20 tournament, scheduled to be jointly hosted in the Caribbean and the United States, which also include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, for the second Caribbean-hosted edition of the tournament.
The region first hosted the tournament in 2010.
The BCA’s marketing and communications manager Steven Leslie was pleased with Barbados’ selection as a host venue.
Speaking exclusively with Barbados TODAY, he said the association had collaborated closely with the Government of Barbados, led by Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith, to present a compelling bid to the ICC, highlighting the island’s unique offerings.
Leslie said the association was committed to offering exceptional hospitality and creating a remarkable atmosphere for the key matches.
“We have an experienced group of professionals who will work closely with the relevant officials to ensure that it is a world-class event that is viewed by millions and that the Barbados product and the brand continue to be one which is world-renowned and held in very high regard globally,” he said.
The BCA official said further plans would be shared after the ICC announces which matches Barbados will host.
In the inaugural Caribbean-hosted tournament in 2010, Kensington Oval, known as The Mecca, not only hosted Group Stage matches but also witnessed the tournament’s final, where England clinched a seven-wicket victory against Australia, securing their first-ever T20 World Cup trophy.
Johnny Graves, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket West Indies (CWI), expressed excitement at announcing the approved Caribbean venues for the largest-ever ICC T20 World Cup, featuring 20 teams competing in 55 matches.
He said the host countries have all committed to upgrading their international cricket venues and practice facilities, continuing to support and preserve the proud legacy of West Indies cricket.
Graves said CWI was confident that collectively, they will deliver a world-class event, showcasing the best the region has to offer with its unique culture and carnival atmosphere that will ensure there is a real celebration of the sport next June.
The 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup will see a total of 20 teams participating, with 15 already confirmed. The remaining five spots will be determined in the Americas, Asia, and African qualifiers in the coming months.
As hosts, the United States and West Indies qualify automatically.
The games in the US will be held at venues confirmed in Grand Prairie (Dallas), Broward County (Florida), and Nassau County (New York).
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