The Liberal Government is proud to be a major supporter of cricket in Tasmania.
This morning I was pleased to attend the launch of the 2014-15 cricket season, and what a season it is set to be.
With grade cricket starting this weekend and our Tasmanian teams finalising their preparations, this season once again promises so much for cricket players, coaches, volunteers and fans.
The redevelopment of Blundstone Arena is expected to be completed in December and will boost the ground’s capacity to around 19,500. This will enable more Tasmanians to cheer on the Tasmanian Tigers and Roar, the Hobart Hurricanes and both Australian men’s and women’s teams this summer.
I am also pleased that for the first time Launceston’s Aurora Stadium will see national cricket action as the Cripps Tasmanian Roar take on South Australia twice in November.
The culmination will be Tasmania hosting three World Cup Cricket matches during an international festival of cricket in early March, 2015.
Tasmanians will also have a chance to get up close and watch the sport’s elite training at the Kingston Twin Ovals in the lead up to the Cricket World Cup.
Cricket Tasmania has done a brilliant job fostering a culture of excellence which has resulted in the collection of some impressive silverware.
For the Hobart Hurricanes to progress as far as the semi-finals of the T20 Champions Trophy in India is a credit to both Cricket Tasmania and the players who have represented our State so well on the international sporting stage.
I know the Tasmanian Tigers and Tasmanian Roar will also do us proud this summer.
It is also fitting to acknowledge Ricky Ponting and Tony Harrison who have both recently been made life members of Cricket Tasmania for their contributions to cricket; Ricky on the field and Tony for his administration of the sport at a state and national level.
Tasmanians are known for a love of cricket, I encourage young and old to support what is a big summer of cricket at Bellerive.
Will Hodgman, Minister for Sport and Recreation
