ICC gives thumbs up to a new world-class stadium

The International Cricket Council(ICC) on Thursday, 11 January approved the newly built stadium at Perth to host international games, officially putting a full stop to hosting matches at the WACA. The newly built ‘world class’ stadium will host its first international game on January 28 when the Kangaroos take on the Englishmen. ICC match referee Richie Richardson submitted an effusive report after inspecting the venue.

The Optus Stadium has hosted domestic matches and Big Bash League(BBL) games before. The stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000 people. According to Cricket Australia(CA), the tickets of the first international game to be played at the venue have been sold out. With the introduction of a new gutsy venue, the board has decided to bid adieu to the iconic WACA.

“This is by far the most impressive and well laid-out stadium I have ever visited”

“The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match,” according to match referee Richie Richardson who inspected the venue on behalf of the ICC. According to him, this is the most impressive stadium that he has ever visited. The venue has attracted plenty of crowds to witness Big Bash League games played here.

The Carribean great further added “A wonderful, refreshing, world-class stadium and I have no hesitation in recommending that the venue is approved for staging all three formats of international cricket”. The stadium has been attracting praise since it was built, it will be intriguing to watch the proceedings of the first one day international at this venue. A drop in pitch will be brought in to the stadium.

The WACA was considered as the fastest pitch in the world. The bowlers loved bowling at the WACA and it was a nightmare for the batsmen to play on the bouncy track. Last month, the WACA hosted its 44th and final Test in which Australia defeated visitors England by an innings and 41 runs to reclaim the Ashes urn.

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