Cricket: World's best young players coming to Bay Oval

TOP CLASS: Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval is named as one of four host cities for the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup. PHOTO: FILE

New Zealand Cricket has named Tauranga as a key host city for next year's International Cricket Council U19 Cricket World Cup.

The four host cities and seven match venues will be Christchurch (Hagley Oval, Rangiora Oval, Bert Sutcliffe Oval and Lincoln No.3), Queenstown (John Davies Oval), Whangarei (Cobham Oval) and Tauranga (Bay Oval).

The International Cricket Council U19 Cricket World Cup will be held on New Zealand soil for the third time, following previous events in 2002 and 2010. The 48-match event will take place from January 13 to February 3, 2018.

International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson said the emergence of former U19 Cricket World Cup participants such as Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli demonstrated just how important the event was in the evolution of a world-class player.

"These are the future stars of cricket, the next generation coming through on to the international stage," Richardson said.

"This tournament is a stepping stone in the development of not just players, but match officials too. I'm looking forward to seeing the next generation compete in New Zealand next year."

Mayor Greg Brownless said he was delighted Tauranga was chosen as one of the host cities.

"It's great that Tauranga succeeded in becoming a key host city for the tournament," he said.

"The world cup complements the city's strategy to position Tauranga as a major events destination with Tauranga hosting a broad range of world-class events such as the World Junior Squash Championship, AIMS Games, Tauranga International Marathon as well as the international cricket series.

"I have no doubt our residents and visitors, from New Zealand and around the world, will enjoy the spirit of the tournament.

"We look forward to working with the organisers to deliver a top-notch event, and to welcoming all these athletes to New Zealand and the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

"Tauranga City Council is proud to support this world-class event in Tauranga, all part of driving economic growth and making an exciting city all year round."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the tournament was a great opportunity for New Zealand to showcase itself on the world stage.

"Cricket World Cup 2015 showed that we really can deliver high-calibre events and we're confident of doing the same again next year.

"Congratulations to the successful host venues - I'm sure they'll help provide a wonderful tournament and create special memories for all who participate."

Brendan Bourke, tournament director for International Cricket Council U19 Cricket World Cup 2018, is delighted for Tauranga and the team at the Bay Oval Trust.

"With six group matches over an eight-day period, followed by the final on February 3, Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region will play an integral role in the success of the tournament."