WACA Plans To Move International Cricket Matches To Perth Stadium

September 03, 2015

All international cricket matches involving England, South Africa and India will be played at the new Perth Stadium, under a plan put forward by the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA).

The WACA's preferred option was to keep all Sheffield Shield and domestic limited overs matches at the WACA Ground.

All tier three international games, involving countries other than England, South Africa and India will also be played at the WACA Ground.

The recommendations include a development to include high-performance and administration facilities for both the WACA and West Australian Football Commission.

Some WACA land would be sold to raise capital for the development.

Chairman Sam Gannon said the development of the WACA Ground would cost between $150 million and $200 million, depending on the final design.

He said it would transform cricket in WA and secure its future as a major participation and spectator sport.

"The recommendations will see growth of cricket at all levels from grassroots to the elite," Gannon said.

"We now have the opportunity to showcase the best of world and domestic cricket at two modern stadiums, providing players and spectators with facilities expected for modern sport."

The arrangement to play international cricket matches involving England, South Africa and India at the new stadium would include Test, one-day and Twenty20 (T20) matches against those three nations.

Australia would still play other international teams in Test and limited over matches at the WACA Ground.

Big Bash League games would be held at the new stadium, while all Sheffield Shield and domestic limited overs games would stay at the WACA Ground.

Mr Gannon said the WACA would seek to fund the development from the state and federal governments, sponsorships and Cricket Australia.

"The WACA Board will be formally advising Premier Colin Barnett of its adoption of Vision 2030 and that it will be making a submission to secure a financial contribution from the State Government for the development program which is expected to occur in stages over the next six or seven years, subject to Government support," he said.

"As a result of this significant investment in infrastructure, the WACA Ground will have world-class spectator, member and player facilities as well as an elite high-performance centre."

(ABC)