Argentina receive donations from MCC

MCC and the ICC have each donated US$2,500 towards the installation of a turf pitch at St George's College in Quilmes, Argentina.

It will be Argentina's fourth pitch and, with the college already boasting a ground with an artificial surface and artificial nets, the addition of the new facility makes the venue an outstanding resource for Argentinean cricketers.

"This development is a major milestone for the long term future of cricket in Argentina," Ricardo Lord, president of the Argentine Cricket Association (ACA), said. "It will enable the ACA and St George's College to organize schools and senior tournaments and with the other turf pitches we already have available it means we can now look to host international events".

The ICC Regional Development Officer, Grant Dugmore, added: "The proposed project is an excellent initiative that will be hugely beneficial to current and future cricket in Argentina. "The new turf pitch will add to Argentina's drive to elevate their status in the global cricket world, not only on the playing field, but also in terms of being able to host major international tournaments."

Earlier this year MCC toured Argentina, led by Mike Gatting, a trip which highlighted a good standard of cricket in the country which John Stephenson, MCC Head of Cricket, was impressed by.

"The trip to Argentina in January of 2006 was enjoyed by players and management alike," he said. "We were impressed with the standard of cricket that we encountered in Buenos Aires, and I am delighted that the grant that MCC was able to make, in conjunction with ICC, has been used to fund a turf wicket facility at St George's College."