MCC has announced the 2017 Champion County Match in Abu Dhabi next March, between Middlesex CCC and MCC, will be played using the pink ball.
Heralding the start of the English county season, next year’s event will see Middlesex CCC compete under day/night conditions for the first time in 23 years following their 2016 Specsavers County Championship victory.
For those keen to follow the action as it unfolds, the official supporters’ package by Sporta Tours has just released offering a comprehensive option with match tickets and hospitality within the Chairman’s box, exclusive entry to the launch event attended by both teams, plus flights and accommodation.
According to John Stephenson, MCC Head of Cricket: “MCC has led the way in researching and developing pink ball, day-night cricket and the exciting Test matches played in these conditions in Australia and the UAE prove that the format has great potential. Hopefully this match will continue to raise the profile of the pink ball ahead of a crucial summer for Test match cricket”.
Richard Goatley, Middlesex Chief Executive, added: “We had a fantastic season this year, and the announcement of this fixture brings home what the club has achieved. Playing with a pink ball under lights will be a challenge on which I’m sure our players will thrive and hopefully help to create a good contest.
“There will be a nice Lord’s feel to the match with us taking on an MCC side, and everyone at Middlesex is looking forward to traveling to the UAE as County Champions.
The logistics for both teams in the 2017 County Champion Match, as well as the official supporters’ package, are by Sporta Tours, official tour supplier to MCC and Middlesex CCC, as well the organiser of the preceding Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament.
The Emirates Airline Twenty20 will take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25March, in Dubai, and features MCC, Lancashire Lightning, Birmingham Bears, Peshawar Zalmi and Jamaica Tallawahs, with one more team to be announced soon.
To contact us about the supporters tour please email supporters@sportatours.com or phone 07903 952768.
