Tuesday 25th November 2008
MCG to get internationals
The future of international cricket in Victoria will be at the MCG post an agreement between Cricket Victoria and the MCC.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, has the backing of Cricket Australia and will see all international games scheduled for Victoria to be played at the MCG until 2019.
This will see the end of international cricket at the Dome for the foreseeable future after the Docklands stadium hosted 12 One Day Internationals (ODI's) since it opened for business in 2000, including the Australia v ICC World IX 'Super Series' in 2005.
The ground was also the home for the controversial 'Super Challenge Series' in 2000 and 2002 which were held in the middle of a Melbourne winter and struggled for exposure up against the AFL finals series.
The current agreement expires in March 2009 and Cricket Victoria (CV) Chairman Geoff Tamblyn was pleased to wrap up the deal after months of negotiations.
"The MCG is one of world cricket's premier stadiums," he said.
"Cricket Victoria is delighted to continue its long-standing partnership with MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) and in doing so, provide the best opportunity to invest in the growth of our sport in this State over the next ten years."
MCC president David Meiklejohn also added: "The MCG has been the spiritual home of Australian cricket since the first Test in 1877 and we are delighted that our association with this great game will continue.
"We have invested heavily in cricket facilities within the new northern stand and we believe the MCG is now one of the finest cricket stadiums in the world, both for players and patrons."
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