Melbourne, Oct 17 (IANS) Australia’s best indoor cricketers will aim to maintain their unbeaten World Cup record when the 2014 World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) World Cup that begins in New Zealand Sunday.
The week-long tournament (Oct 19-25) is held every three years, with Australia taking on the best from New Zealand, South Africa, England, Wales, India and Singapore.
The Australian sides will be looking to defend their titles across all four divisions - men’s, women’s, under-20 boys and under-20 girls.
The Australian men’s team has won all eight World Cups since the tournament’s inception in 1995, while the women’s team have not lost a title since the first event in 1998 and the under-20 boys and girls are also undefeated in World Cup Series to date.
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Game and Market Development Andrew Ingleton said Australians should feel very proud of the nation’s Indoor cricket teams, which are world champions in all divisions.
“As Indoor cricket continues to grow, our opposition improves but we’re confident our teams can ensure the World Cup trophies remain in Australia and I am sure they will represent the 200,000 Australians who play indoor cricket with pride and good sportsmanship,” Ingleton said.
“Some of Australia’s greatest cricketers, including Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting, Steve and Mark Waugh, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch, Ryan Harris, Belinda Clark, Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Sarah Coyte have played indoor cricket as part of their cricket development.
“Without doubt the continued growth of indoor cricket is integral to helping achieve our vision for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport.