Old Trafford is set for its greatest summer of cricket
INDIA V PAKISTAN ONE OF SIX WORLD CUP GAMES IN MANCHESTER
INDIA’S World Cup clash with Pakistan will be played in Manchester as part of the greatest summer of cricket ever at Lancashire’s Emirates Old Trafford.
The mouth-watering showdown between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals is one of six World Cup matches to be held at the venue in 2019, including a semi-final.
And with the ground also hosting an Ashes Test next year, the eyes of the cricketing world will be on Emirates Old Trafford throughout the summer, with big-name stars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle along with Lancashire’s Jos Buttler and James Anderson all in action at Lancashire’s home.
The India-Pakistan game is the biggest match of the group stage. Not only is it certain to be a 26,000 sell out, it will be watched by millions on TV.
When the two sides met in last year’s Champions Trophy, it was seen by more than 320 million people around the world.
Old Trafford will also host England’s group match against Afghanistan, who have young leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan in their side, and the tasty clash between South Africa and Australia is scheduled for Manchester too.
Lancashire will also host the West Indies twice - against New Zealand and India.
“We are delighted with the six fixtures that Emirates Old Trafford has been allocated for next year’s World Cup,” said Lancashire chairman David Hodgkiss. “2019 is going to be the biggest year in the club’s history, hosting the World Cup as well as an Ashes Test and it will be fantastic for cricket supporters, not just from the north west, but around the world, to enjoy watching some of the game’s best players at Emirates Old Trafford.
“We’re honoured to be hosting one of England’s games, and the India-Pakistan fixture is one of the biggest games in world cricket. Emirates Old Trafford will be on the world stage.”
Meanwhile, Lancashire are looking to secure their first win of the Specsavers County Championship as they take on Surrey at Emirates Old Trafford, starting today.
The Red Rose lost their opening two games to Nottinghamshire and Essex.
England ace Jimmy Anderson is still unavailable, however, he has been released by the ECB to play in the next two games - against Somerset at Old Trafford and at Nottinghamshire.