Northern Districts Cricket introduces Origin Cricket Cup

International cricket returns to Hamilton this week end with the opening rounds of the inaugural Origin Cricket Cup. This Northern Districts Cricket initiative brings together peoples from around the world in a festival of cricket organized to coincide with the World Cup of Cricket in South Africa in February and March.

Ethnic communities from throughout Waikato have been invited to participate in the tournament which begins with pool play on Sunday, February 9 at Westpac Park in Hamilton. Participating countries in the tournament include South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Waikato Tamil Society, India and Fiji.

The teams have been grouped into two sections with one of those sections seeking the Origin Cricket Cup champions in the more competitive competition while the other is more about participation. The matches will be played upon experimental artificial pitches at the home of Northern Districts Cricket at Westpac Park.

Events and communication manager Gary Taylor added: "We are excited with this concept on two counts. On one hand it allows us to acknowledge another group of participants in our game and to celebrate the tremendous cultural value that ethnic groups bring to our region. Secondly, it allows us at Northern Districts Cricket to make available our coaching and development resources to the ethnic communities as we look to expand the game on a local level."

On Sunday, March 23 the Origin Cricket Cup finals day will be held again at Westpac Park in Hamilton. This will be a culmination of playing side of the tournament complimented by a Festival day which will include cultural performances by the ethnic communities, ethnic food, stalls and family entertainment.

Highlights of the draw for the opening round of matches this Sunday, sees South Africa come up against the Waikato Tamil Society and Sri Lanka against the Indian Magicians in Section A with the winners facing Fiji later in the day. In Section B South Africa meets Sri Lanka with the winner facing New Zealand, while the Waikato Tamil Society meets the Desi Country Club.

The tournament rules allow for eight players aside in a 14-overs per innings match. With the matches scheduled to last for approximately two hours, the quick fire nature of the match will ensure excitement aplenty.

Northern Districts Cricket sincerely acknowledges the support of Hamilton City Council for this event. It is hoped that this tournament will become an annual event and in the future attract teams from throughout New Zealand.