27 May 2016

Sports fans rejoice! Christchurch will host more days of international cricket over the next two summers than any other city in New Zealand.

Christchurch will enjoy 25 game days during which the Black Caps will take on Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, the West Indies and England.

New Zealand Cricket made the announcement today as it unveiled the full schedule of international fixtures for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 cricketing seasons. 

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the fact Christchurch had been awarded more game days than any other New Zealand city was a testament to its strong sporting heritage and resilient recovery.

"This is a huge accolade for us and a fantastic opportunity for sports fans to enjoy international cricket in our own backyard,'' Mayor Dalziel said.

"We put on a world-class event last year when we were one of the host cities for the ICC Cricket World Cup and this allows us to continue the momentum that we have established as a leading sport city and city that has turned disaster into opportunity.

"I welcome the international visitors this will bring to our city and look forward to watching the boys in action at Hagley Oval later this year,'' Mayor Dalziel said.

The first of Christchurch's international fixtures will take place in November when the Black Caps play a test against Pakistan at Hagley Oval.  That will be followed on December 26 with a one-day game against Bangladesh.

In Janaury 2017 the Black Caps will face Bangladesh again for a test and then in February 2017 they will play a one-day game against South Africa.

The following summer they will be play tests and one day games at Hagley Oval against both the West Indies and England.