LISTEN: Hosting World Cup qualifier 'a big deal' for Guernsey Cricket

The island will be hosting one of the three Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers next summer, with nine nations – Spain, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece and Estonia – visiting these shores in August.

Everyone in Guernsey cricket is deighted about the news.

‘It’s great for the island on a number of fronts and hosting provides the team with those extra benefits of a supportive crowd, knowledge of our own grounds and really good availability,’ said director of cricket Jeremy Frith.

• Listen to a full interview with Guernsey Cricket interim CEO Carl Brooks on the latest Guernsey Press Sport Podcast

Guernsey Cricket interim chief executive Carl Brooks told the Guernsey Press Sport Podcast: ‘It’s a big deal for Guernsey cricket because it just reinforces what the ICC thinks about us and how much they trust us to do a good job when we’re hosting a tournament.

‘This is certainly one of the biggest ones. There’s nine other teams coming to the island, so in terms of the impact that might have on the island – it’s a sports tourism offer, isn’t it?

'If we can really get our act together and make this look like a really, really good cricket destination, you hope that some of these people will come back at another point in time.

‘Obviously we hope they’ll bring some fans and we need to give them a good time.’

Mark Latter, who recently stood down as Guernsey Cricket chief executive, will take on the role of tournament director, much to the delight of chairman Carl Johnson.

‘We are excited to have been chosen as one of the hosts which is testament to the proven track record we have of hosting international tournaments,' he said.

'I’m also pleased that Mark Latter has agreed to act as a tournament director, ensuring we retain the vast experience he’s developed over many years.'

Frith hoped that the opportunity for young cricket fans to see the national side operating at its highest level would be an inspiration.

And new Island captain Ollie Nightingale said that the team would relish playing in front of home crowds.

'I’m delighted that my first tournament as captain will be a home one,’ he said.

The qualifier matches are set to be played at Port Soif and the KGV from 21-28 August.

The other two Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers will take place in Italy from 9-16 June, and Germany between 7-14 July.

‘We’re excited to be hosting these events in Germany and Italy for the first time,’ said Andy Wright, ICC Regional Development Manager – Europe.

‘Taking the third qualifier to Guernsey is testament to the outstanding job they did in hosting our U19 Men’s CWC Europe Division Two Qualifier back in 2022, and we’re pleased to be bringing men’s international cricket back to the Bailiwick.’

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub Regional Qualifier C - Guernsey, 21-28 August 2024

Teams (in seed order) – Spain, Guernsey, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia.