By IANS,
New Delhi : Premier of Victoria state of Australia Ted Baillieu Wednesday announced that his government will be working hard to secure the 2015 Cricket World Cup final for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Baillieu said Melbourne was the sporting and cultural capital of Australia and had in the past been voted both the World’s Most Liveable City and the Ultimate Sports City.
“The MCG is one of the finest cricket grounds in the world and the only ground in Australia with the capacity to host a final of such monumental proportions, so Melbourne is the natural choice to host the 2015 ICC World Cup Final,” said Baillieu, who is here for the Super Trade Mission to India.
Baillieu said the Victorian Government would work together with the Victorian Major Events Company, Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria to get the final staged at the sprawling venue.
The World Cup is the fourth-largest international sporting event, with 14 nations participating and an estimated television audience of 953 million people. The 2015 edition will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The announcement followed an informal game of cricket with children, who were joined by legends including former India captain Kapil Dev, former Australia batsman Dean Jones and Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide.
Baillieu said Victoria and India shared a great passion and excitement for cricket.
“I am delighted to see Victorian expertise helping to build cultural and trade partnerships in India through cricket, highlighting Cricket Victoria’s Sports Business Program.
“The programme is a great initiative, where participants develop skills in a range of sports-related fields, including administration and training, marketing and major events management.
“In May, 20 Indian students will take part in an upcoming pilot program in Melbourne, where I am certain they will gain valuable skills and experience.
“Programmes such as this are invaluable in developing and strengthening cricket infrastructure in India, and play an important part in building educational links and partnerships between Victoria and India,” Baillieu added.