Yorkshire's Headingley to stage FOUR 2019 Cricket World Cup fixtures

The International Cricket Council released the full fixture list for the tournament on Thursday afternoon following its board meeting in Kolkata.

A number of venues had reportedly been under consideration, including the London Stadium which plays host to Premier League club West Ham, having been built for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Hosts England will open the 2019 World Cup with a match against South Africa at the Oval on May 30. Trevor Bayliss’s men take on the Proteas before meeting Pakistan on June 3.

Old Trafford and Edgbaston will stage the two semi-finals on 9 and 11 July, while Lord’s will play host to a World Cup final for the fifth time, on 14 July.

Mark Arthur, Yorkshire’s chief executive said: “We are delighted to be hosting four prestigious fixtures in next year’s ICC World Cup. Headingley will be transformed ahead of the tournament as we look forward to welcoming England, Pakistan, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

“Headingley has had a history of staging thrilling matches featuring these nations and look forward to welcoming qualifiers Afghanistan. We can guarantee that the Yorkshire public will be extremely enthusiastic about today’s announcement and get behind the teams in next year’s tournament.”

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture at Leeds City Council added: “We are delighted to be a part of the world’s greatest cricket celebration with four fantastic fixtures here at Headingley. The whole city is excited to be part of the Cricket World Cup and to welcome a global audience to Leeds.”

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, added: “This schedule gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world-class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country.

“We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.”