First-ever ticket ballot for ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final opens
· Ballot for ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final opens at 10am today (Thursday, 20 October via http://www.icc-cricket.com/tickets · Final to be played at Lord’s on Sunday 23 July 2017 · Ticket prices start at £20 for adults, £10 for students (aged between 17 and 23-years-old) and £5 for under-16s · First time a ballot has been held for ICC Women’s World Cup, reflecting the growing popularity of the women’s game
Fans have a chance to watch some of the world’s best cricketers battle it out at Lord’s in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 Final by taking part in the ballot when it opens at 10am today (Thursday, 20 October).
With the women’s game in the United Kingdom being more popular than ever and tickets available at a range of affordable prices, including £5 for under-16s, the final is being balloted for the first time to give fans an equal opportunity to apply.
Hosted at Lord’s on Sunday 23 July 2017, it will see two of the top sides in the world compete for the right to lift the trophy at The Home of Cricket.
Clare Connor, who played in three World Cups for England from 1997-2005 and is Chair of the ICC Women’s Committee, said: “The women’s game has grown rapidly since England & Wales last hosted an ICC Women’s World Cup and this is reflected in our decision to hold a ballot for the Final for the first time to manage the expected demand. The ballot offers the chance for fans to be at the tournament’s showpiece event next year when it’s played at Lord’s. With a range of affordable ticket prices available, including £5 for under-16s, this is a great opportunity for a family day out to watch some world class cricket.
“The ICC Women’s Championship is going right down to the wire, with five teams battling it out for the remaining three automatic qualification spots. With this level of competiveness, the tournament promises to deliver some thrilling matches which will showcase the best players from around the world.”
Steve Elworthy, Tournament Director of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, said: “We are proud to be hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup in England and Wales for the third time, and the first in over 20 years. This is an exciting time for the women’s game and I hope the tournament will help us drive up interest and increase participation. With tickets to the Final at £5 for under 16s, this is a great opportunity for young people to experience cricket at Lord’s, as well as being able to take home a free bat and ball.”
Ticket prices start at £20 for adults, £10 for students (aged between 17 and 23-years-old) and £5 for under-16s. Any children that attend will be given a free bat and ball. Fans can apply for up to six tickets via http://www.icc-cricket.com/tickets.
The ballot will be open until 8pm GMT on Tuesday 1 November. There will then be a ballot for oversubscribed applications and fans will find out if they have been successful later in November.
Returning to England and Wales for the first time in over 20 years, the tournament starts on Monday 26 June and will be held across county grounds in Bristol, Derby, Leicester and Taunton.
Eight teams will take part in the tournament, in a single-league format, with each side playing each other once. The top four teams of the ICC Women's Championship, which concludes in November will automatically qualify for the tournament.
Reigning World Champions Australia were the first team to claim their spot, with the West Indies, England, New Zealand, South Africa and India currently battling it out to claim the other hotly contested three spots. The final four teams will then qualify from the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier which will take place in February/March.
The ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final is coming to The Home of Cricket - Lord's Cricket Ground - on 23 July 2017. The ticket ballot for the WWC17 final opens on 20 October 2016. Register for ICC Women's World Cup 2017 final information at http://www.icc-cricket.com/tickets