FIJI will, for the first time, host the International Cricket Council East Asia Pacific Sub Regional World T20 Qualifier in August.
Cricket Fiji chairman Eliki Bomani said it’s one of the biggest competitions which Fiji would host allowing teams to compete in front of their fans.
“It is a great news for Cricket Fiji to host the International Cricket Council East Asia Pacific Sub Regional World T20 qualifier,” Bomani said.
“Cricket in Fiji has been very much on the decline and we need such tournaments to lift the profile of the sport, not only in Suva, but other areas as well.
“ICC was kind enough to come to Fiji and approved the tournament to go ahead.”
Jane Livesey, the ICC East Asia Pacific Regional development manager said it was important to bring tournament to Fiji.
“We think, as our associate, it’s very important to take the tournament back to our members,” Livesey said.
“It is a unique opportunity to promote the game and to create the pathway for the interest in Fiji.
“There is a very long proud history of cricket in Fiji that goes way back and big teams like West Indies coming in the past.”
Cricket Fiji coach and tournament director Josefa Rika said Fiji would field a strong team.
“There will be four teams which will compete in the qualifier where only two top teams will compete in the T20 World Cup. Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa will compete,” he said.
The tournament will be from August 25-30.
