Teske to lead Aust at home World Cup
Australia is set to host a third cricket World Cup in 2020 with the World Indoor Cricket Federation announcing Melbourne as the host city for the 11th Indoor Cricket World Cup from October 10–17.
The tournament will be held at two state-of-the-art, elite indoor cricket venues in Melbourne: Casey Stadium and CitiPower Centre.
Last held in Dubai in 2017, Australia are the reigning men’s and women’s Indoor Cricket World Cup champions seeking to keep their streak of never losing a World Cup in either division alive in the 25-year history of the tournament.
Cricketers from up to 10 countries from around the world will compete at the World Cup in four divisions: 21 and under men, 21 and under women, open men and open women.
Toowoomba Dragons player Lyle Teske is the current captain of the national side, and said it was a tremendous honour to be able to host the prestigious event in their own backyard.
“It’s great news. The last time it was in Australia was 2009 so it’s been over a decade,” Teske said.
“For the guys who will get to play, it will be a pretty special feeling.
“There’s always pressure at a World Cup. It’s good that you’ve got family and friends there to support you, but you don’t want to stuff up in front of them.
“It’s always a good experience on home soil.”
Preparations will kick into gear in the coming months with the start of the domestic season and nationals.
“The season kicks off in April with the domestic stuff, so it will really start to begin then,” Teske said.
“After the nationals the team will be selected and then we’ll have a few training camps to prepare.”
Executive general manager of community cricket at Cricket Australia Belinda Clark said Australia was overjoyed to be able to host the event.
“It’s not often cricketers get to participate in a World Cup in their own backyard, but the Australian Indoor teams will relish the opportunity to join their Australian men’s and women’s T20 teams in 2020 who get this chance,” she said.
“This event is a great opportunity for our elite indoor teams to take centre stage and show the excitement and skill of this format of the game.”