The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the London Olympics stadium to host some matches during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, after the governing body found the pitch dimensions complied with requirements for ODI games. Though, the official confirmation is yet to land in coming months.
The Olympic stadium, as it is named now, has a hosting capacity of 60,000 spectators, double to that of any other ground in United Kingdom. The move, which is supported by the ICC, is an attempt to use the 2019 event in England as one of sport’s biggest spectacle ever. The stadium is likely to host two or three matches, precisely the most enticing one’s throughout the tournament.
The Olympic stadium was also the venue of the opening ceremony of London Games in 2012, and is very likely to repeat the extravaganza inaugural show of the next World Cup too.
After the inspection took place, the stadium has been considered for some T20 cricket, as Essex county of their domestic structure by 2018. As of now, English Premier League (EPL) club West Ham United plays on the very same outfield.
However, the plan which has been put out now, might see some resistance coming its way. At the end of 2014, the ECB short-listed eleven cricketing grounds across the country to host matches among them. With the possibility of the ground being the green signal in near future, the cricketing board of England might have to revamp the structure all over again.
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup will be 12th edition of the World Cup. Australia have won maximum five times and countries like India, West Indies have won it twice. Hosts England are yet to open their account, as the only ICC trophy they have won is the 2010 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.