New Zealand announce the Blackcaps and Test Championships Mace's Nationwide tour
In the latest cricket news, New Zealand Cricket today announced that the BLACKCAPS will carry their ICC World Test Championship trophy, the Mace, on a week-long, nationwide tour of New Zealand later this month.
Plans have been made to commence the tour in Whangarei on Monday, July 26, and to visit Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill through the week in order to give members of the public an opportunity to be photographed with the unique trophy and get autographs and a team poster.
NZC chief executive David White said-
“It’s quickly become apparent that Kiwis want an opportunity to be part of, and to share in this historic achievement,” said Mr White. “We’ve been inundated with requests to do something so that New Zealanders can join in with the team and share the moment.
“At first, we thought the time-out in managed isolation and the length of time since the win would dampen enthusiasm for a public celebration, but we have been persuaded to think again,” he said.
The New Zealand men's cricket team and support staff currently in MIQ will be released on Saturday and Mr White said it was important they were allowed to spend some time with their friends and family before the trophy tour begins.
Along with the New Zealand Women's ICC World Cup victory in 2000, the Men's WTC win is easily the biggest accomplishment in the history of New Zealand cricket and Mr White stated that it was appropriate that New Zealanders have the chance to join in on the celebrations.
“This is just as much a chance for our BLACKCAPS to say thank you to New Zealanders as anything else, and for NZC to express its gratitude to the country for creating an environment in which this was even possible,” said Mr White.
“If it wasn’t for the sacrifices so many Kiwis made, and the leadership from our Government and Health authorities in allowing us to fulfil our ICC World Test Championship obligations, I very much doubt we would be in this position today.”
The countrywide tour will have selected players and support staff coming together at each of the cities on the route, beginning with a small group including Tim Southee at Whangarei, his home town.
Cricketers involved will also include Will Sommerville, Jeet Raval and Todd Astle – all of whom were part of the WTC campaign despite not being for the finals in England. The trio will get their winners medals retrospectively.
New Zealand Cricket’s intent is to have the Mace on display at every BLACKCAPS home international match this summer.
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Schedule
26th July-Whangarei
27th July-Auckland (Eden Park)
28th July-Tauranga/Hamilton
29th July-New Plymouth/Palmerston North
30th July-Wellington
31st July-Christchurch
1st August-Dunedin (Forsyth Barr Stadium)
1st August-Invercargill (Stadium Southland)
