The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a blockbuster month of cricket action in Victoria, with the World Indoor Cricket Cup kicking off at Casey Stadium on Saturday.
Backed by funding from the Labor Government's Significant Sporting Events Program and supported by City of Casey, the Cup will run from 8 to 15 October, drawing hundreds of players, organisers and spectators to the area and delivering a major boost to local businesses.
Joining a massive Spring and Summer of cricket, the World Indoor Cricket Cup is followed by the start of the Mens T20 World Cup in Geelong, four WBBL games in Ballarat from 29-31 October, the BBL series starting mid-December and the Boxing Day Test featuring South Africa.
The World Indoor Cricket Cup will feature 218 players from 18 teams, along with around 90 coaches, support staff and officials, with more than 230 hailing from overseas.
Cricket Australia is hosting the event on behalf of the World Indoor Cricket Federation, which will see eight countries competing - Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.
Cups will be up for grabs across four divisions which include Open Men, Open Women, Under-22 Men, and Under-22 Women, while young cricketers will get a chance to hone their skills with come-and-try sessions and a clinic for young cricketers hosted by the Australian Under-22 Men's team.
There will be a total of 108 matches played, with 46 streamed live and free on Kayo Sports, while fans across the globe can tune in on YouTube - further promoting Victoria as the ultimate sporting destination.
Along with providing a great opportunity for cricket fans to soak up the action, the event is also providing a significant boost for local jobs and businesses including hospitality, accommodation, tourism and retail.
Since 2014, the Significant Sporting Events Program has secured more than 530 events for Victoria, with more than 265 staged in regional Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"We're attracting more of the biggest international sporting events to destinations across the state, giving local sporting fans the chance to enjoy world class athletes while inspiring the next generation of champions."
"Only Labor will back a blockbuster sporting calendar, delivering benefits to local businesses and boosting jobs across Victoria."
