Wednesday 16 February 2011

Following the recent Wellington Firebirds trial match at Karori Park, New Zealand Cricket has approved first-class status for the ground.

Cricket Wellington can now approach future seasons with the knowledge that there is a viable alternative to the Basin Reserve, should scheduling clashes arise. Furthermore, looking ahead to the Cricket World Cup 2015, a comprehensive plan around hosting within the Wellington region can be developed.

Cricket Wellington Chief Executive Gavin Larsen is delighted that Wellington now has a second first-class cricket venue.

“This is excellent news and a reflection of the hard work that has gone in to the park over a number of years,” he said. “It is extremely reassuring to now have a back-up option to the Basin Reserve, which remains the primary cricket venue in Wellington. This development however means we may indeed see a Wellington Firebirds match in the 2011/12 season up at Karori Park, depending on how the scheduling unfolds.”

“The hard work starts now though, with ongoing criteria that we need to achieve in order for Karori to retain its first-class status. Cricket Wellington is committed to this and we look forward to continuing to work with the Wellington City Council to ensure solid plans are put in place.”

Achieving this status is the culmination of considerable investment and effort by a number of parties including Wellington City Council and the Basin Reserve Trust. Cricket Wellington congratulates everyone for getting Karori Park to this point. We can now look forward to the continued improvement of the park in coming seasons.

ENDS

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