WT20 2009 ticket information released for Ireland fans
Cricket Ireland has outlined their plans for the distribution of their allocation of tickets for the ICC World Twenty20.
There was unprecedented demand for tickets when they were launched on June 30th 2008, and it is expected that demand for Cricket Ireland’s initial allocation will far exceed supply.
Ireland secured their place in next year’s tournament via the Associate Qualifiers held in August 2008 and are in Group A of the tournament with reigning World Twenty20 Champions India and Bangladesh. Both games will be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham and will take place on Monday, June 8 against Bangladesh, and on Wednesday, June 10 against India.
An initial 600 tickets were retained for Cricket Ireland for each of their matches prior to the Associate Qualifiers being identified
The tickets will be distributed by Cricket Ireland to their partner organisations, with priority given to sponsors, public funding bodies, the Provincial Unions, the Cricket Ireland membership, committee members, volunteers and players.
There will be a further opportunity in early 2009 for Cricket Ireland stakeholders to access tickets via a priority ticket window. Tickets can also be accessed as part of a travel package via Ireland’s official tour operator, IST International Sports Travel, contactable on 00 353 1 8061753.
In order to ensure a fair distribution of the initial 600 tickets, the Cricket Ireland Board has proposed that the above categories will be given preference in the allocation of tickets, and has written to these stakeholders explaining the distribution, and outlining the deadline for take-up of the allocation offer. A number of tickets have been kept aside for a ballot to be held before Christmas for those CI members not able to access tickets during the first stage of ticket distribution.
Tournament Director Steve Elworthy said “When we launched tickets in June it was so incredibly exciting to see the public clamouring to experience what I’m sure will be a fantastic event.
With the Women’s event running in parallel and then integrated fully at the semi and Final stage, we have a truly inclusive tournament. The double header format also allows four different sets of supporters into the ground, which will showcase the partisan support and unique atmosphere of international cricket matches in England and Wales.
Ireland supporters traditionally add huge vibrancy to international events in which their team is involved and I have no doubt that there will be similar demand for tickets from fans and supporters of the Associate countries who want to share this unique celebration of cricket.”
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said, “With such small numbers to play with, it was never going to be easy to satisfy all requests to buy tickets, but we hope that by distributing the vast majority of our tickets to members and volunteers that we are at least rewarding those that have supported us so well over the years.
Hopefully, ECB will be able to release further tickets to us next year, so we can look after even more supporters and stakeholders. We will keep a waiting list, and are happy for supporters to contact us regarding this as well as the travel and tour packages.”
Sue Wickham is co-ordinating the distribution of tickets and any questions or requests to be placed on the waiting list for tickets should be directed to her at sue.wickham@irishcricket.org.
