Cricket legends to play in Art Deco exhibition match

December 17th 2014

Hawke’s Bay announces world cricket legends to play in Art Deco exhibition match

Today Hawke’s Bay Tourism announced their plans to host a “Legends of Cricket Art Deco Match” to coincide with ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 celebrations in Hawke’s Bay.

Scheduled for Wednesday 25th February, this New Zealand first will take the form of “New Zealand Vs the Rest of the World” and will include some of the all-time playing greats of yesteryear as well as some talented youngsters and other special guests. It will be played at the Clifton County Cricket Club, an immaculate pitch set amongst the picturesque backdrop of Te Awanga Downs, a farm near Cape Kidnappers.

The first three players to be unveiled are from the New Zealand side and include three of the biggest national names from the last 20 years. Mark Greatbatch, Chris Harris and Dion Nash have all been confirmed to play in this unique fixture taking place at the Clifton County Cricket Club ground this February.

Mark Greatbatch said he was looking forward to playing in the match. “I love the concept and am really excited at the chance to play alongside some old mates and show them how beautiful Hawke’s Bay is”

The match will be a friendly 20/20 game, based on an Art Deco theme and style which will include players donning traditional 1930’s cricket attire with a host of sideline activity celebrating the era which is synonymous with Napier City and Hawke’s Bay heritage. The match has been scheduled to take place at the end of the annual Art Deco Weekend in Napier, allowing the revellers to enjoy extended celebrations and get into the swing of Cricket World Cup 2015.

Annie Dundas, GM Hawke’s Bay Tourism said they were looking forward to putting on a world class event to attract the international media and visitors to Hawke’s Bay who will already be touring New Zealand for Cricket World Cup 2015. “We’re fortunate to have this jaw dropping cricket ground to showcase the very best of Hawke’s Bay to our tournament visitors”

Players for the International side and the remaining New Zealand team members will be announced in the New Year.

It's been 22 years since New Zealand last hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1992. Napier will host three matches for Cricket World Cup 2015:
• Pakistan Vs United Arab Emirates 4th March
• New Zealand Vs Afghanistan 8th March
• West Indies Vs United Arab Emirates 15th March

Tickets for the Art Deco Cricket Match will go on sale Friday 19th December 9am. There will be general admission and hospitality options available.

ENDS

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