ECB sign deal to host 2019 World Cup

The ICC and ECB have signed the host agreement to stage the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, formalising the arrangement of 2006.

The tournament will be held throughout June 2019, will be played at 10 venues and is currently scheduled to involve 10 teams.

"The signing of this agreement now enables ECB to enter into staging agreements with venues who wish to stage matches in the World Cup," ECB chief executive David Collier said after signing the agreement in Dubai.

"The Organising Team from the 2013 Champions Trophy, led by tournament director Steve Elworthy, will commence the preparation work for this event immediately following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, which ends with the final at Edgbaston on June 23.

"The ECB is honoured to have been selected to stage one of the largest and most important global sports events which will be a wonderful boost to sport and cricket in particular throughout England and Wales."

England last staged the World Cup in 1999, without great success, not least the hosts' performance - England were knocked out in the group stage. The 2004 Champions Trophy and second edition of the World Twenty20, in 2009, were also staged in the UK.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson added: "The World Cup attracts a broadcast audience in excess of 1.5 billion people and is one of the premier events in world cricket. England and Wales boasts a number of high quality cricket venues providing players, officials and spectators with excellent facilities. We look forward to working with the ECB to deliver an outstanding tournament."

Bidding to host World Cup matches is expected to be fierce with at least 11 clubs expected to apply: MCC, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Somerset.