ABERDEEN WELCOMES CRICKET-AL ACCLAIM
In the run up to the One Day International (ODI) against England on 9 May, 2014, Cricket Scotland has announced a partnership with Aberdeen City Council. The ODI match will be held at Mannofield, Aberdeen; the home of Aberdeenshire Cricket Club.
Both organisations hope that the partnership will drive public interest towards the event, while providing for the logistics of turning a club facility into an international sports stadium.
Aberdeen is the home city of Cricket Scotland’s major sponsor, The Parkmead Group, one of the UK’s fastest growing energy companies, this, and Aberdeen's present economic strength, made it a strong contender for the host of the Scotland ODI. The Mannofield cricket grounds are of a good standard and there is a strong cricket community in the Aberdeen area, something that is evidenced by the four Aberdonians currently playing on the Scottish cricket squad.
Cricket Scotland’s chief executive, Roddy Smith, commented, “We are delighted that Aberdeen City Council have been so supportive on bringing this major event to the city. There is a huge amount of work to be undertaken to transform Mannofield from a club ground to an international stadium, and this would not be achievable without the support from the Council.”
As well as hosting the ODI game, the Aberdeen City Council and Cricket Scotland would like to get local citizens involved in cricket and will be hosting a number of cricket festivals that will give young cricketers a chance to meet their heroes.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, said, "By working with Cricket Scotland we want to help extend the benefits and opportunities offered by playing cricket to communities in Aberdeen and the northeast of Scotland. The fact that the match will have a potential worldwide audience will showcase Aberdeen as the ideal location for hosting international sports events which is great for the city, in terms of both business and leisure tourism.”