Sport & recreation  |  11 Mar 2020

Christchurch’s Hagley Oval has been confirmed as the venue for six matches in the upcoming 2021 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, including the final.

The matches, including an epic showdown between the New Zealand White Ferns and England, will be played between 18 and 28 February 2021.

The final will take place at Hagley Oval on 7 March 2021.

ChristchurchNZ says the city can expect an increase of more than 15,000 visitor nights during the world cup, nearly $3 million in visitor spending, and significant exposure in key overseas markets, particularly Australia, India and the United Kingdom.

The 2017 tournament had a global audience of 180 million people - three times more than the 2013 event - and was broadcast into 189 markets. In terms of broadcast exposure, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is seven times larger than the men’s Rugby World Cup.

The round-robin format will mean all teams play each other, with the top four proceeding to the semi-finals.

Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction, says the match allocation for Christchurch is a win for both residents and the city’s ability to host sporting events.

“We are extremely pleased to host these matches at Hagley Oval, arguably the most beautiful cricket ground in the country,” Ms Heaphy says.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch continues to reassert itself as a prominent New Zealand urban centre and a viable host city for major international sporting events.”

Jeremy Curwin, Canterbury Cricket chief executive, says the tournament represents “a huge moment” for cricket in Canterbury

“To host such an iconic event at Hagley Oval is brilliant,” Mr Curwin says. “But to be asked to host the Final really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the city.”

Andrea Nelson, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup chief executive, says they are “proud to be delivering a tournament where Kiwis across the whole country can get involved in a truly special event”.

“We can’t wait to see the excitement build around New Zealand as we prepare to roll out the welcome mat for the rest of the world,” Ms Nelson says.