| Event: | ICC Under-19 World Cup 2009/10 |
DateLine: 11th January 2010
The ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup was officially launched with a vibrant welcome ceremony in Christchurch on Sunday.
Representatives of the 16 teams competing in the tournament, along with officials from the ICC, New Zealand Cricket and other partners in the event, gathered at the Christchurch Art Gallery to be greeted by traditional Maori songs. The captains of the teams were also joined by New Zealand national team captain Daniel Vettori for the photographs along with the impressive silver trophy which one of the captains will take home in three weeks' time.
Speaking on the occasion, New Zealand Cricket President Denis Currie said the competition was one of the most prestigious events on the international cricket calendar.
"During these next few weeks on cricket fields throughout this country, we will witness the success and outstanding abilities of the superstars of world cricket tomorrow," Currie said.
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan also noted the significance of the tournament in the development of the game. Vaughan said: "The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is particularly important to the ICC as it is great showcase for the best young cricketers in the world, and it's a really important way to grow the game of cricket throughout the world.
"That event featured players like Brian Lara, Mike Atherton and Inzamam-ul-Haq. And since that time, events have introduced players to the world such as Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Graeme Smith and in the last event New Zealand's Tim Southee was player of the tournament. All have gone on to have quite significant international careers."
Reigning champions India begin their title defence when they take on Afghanistan on the opening day of the tournament.
