ICC MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stellenbosch, 17 February 2008

 

ICC President Ray Mali launches ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier

Eight teams set to battle it out for final two qualification spots for Australia in 2009

ICC President Ray Mali has launched the first ever global women's cricket event to be played under the banner of the International Cricket Council.

Mr Mali appeared at the launch of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Stellenbosch, South Africa last night as the event was formally opened in front of an audience of players, team officials and local dignitaries, who were entertained by vibrant and spectacular local entertainment. 

Mr Mali said: "The growth of women's cricket since the integration of the International Women's Cricket Council with the ICC in 2005 has been phenomenal and was a key factor in gaining recognition from the International Olympic Committee last year.

"The ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier is an important step in the development of the women's game and promises to be an exciting and competitive week of action. While for some the success of the week will be judged on whether they have qualified for the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia in 2009, for others the experience of competing in an international event is just as important.

"The women taking part in the event this week are all ambassadors for raising the profile and awareness of women's cricket and are positive role models for girls interested in taking up the sport across the globe."

Besides the host nation, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Bermuda, Ireland, Pakistan, Scotland and the Netherlands will all vie for the two remaining available slots in the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia in 2009.

The eight teams have been divided into two pools with South Africa, Netherlands, Bermuda and PNG forming Pool A, while Pool B will comprise Ireland, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Scotland.

The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be played on February 22^nd, while the winners of those matches will lock horns in the final on 24 February at Stellenbosch University.

In the pick of the opening day fixtures tomorrow (18 February), Ireland will take on Pakistan, while Bermuda will play South Africa. The other matches see Netherlands play PNG and Zimbabwe challenge Scotland.

A full preview and review of matches, along with live scores and audio interviews, will be available on the event website at:

http://icc-cricket.yahoo.com/womens-wc-qualifier/homepage.html.

-ENDS-