Champion County match moves to Abu Dhabi

Date released: 11 December 2009

The MCC versus Champion County match in 2010 will take place in Abu Dhabi and will be played under floodlights with pink cricket balls.

The decision to move the traditional season-opening fixture from Lord’s was confirmed this week at an MCC Committee meeting and will ensure that MCC and Durham will contest the first-ever day/night, four-day match using pink balls.

The multi-million pound Zayed International Cricket Stadium The fixture will run from Monday 29 March to Thursday 1 April at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan and New Zealand recently played a series of One Day Internationals.

The ground is the home of Abu Dhabi CC, who last month signed an agreement with MCC to become Associate Club partners.

Re-invigorate Test cricket

MCC’s Head of Cricket John Stephenson has been the driving force behind the change of venue. "We are delighted to confirm the MCC-Champion County match will take place in Abu Dhabi, and greatly appreciate Durham’s enthusiasm and co-operation.

"Ultimately, this match is being played in Abu Dhabi for two reasons.

MCC have trialed a pink ball in matches at Lord's "Firstly, we felt that the proposed fixture schedule for Lord’s (3-5 April) was far too early in the year to play meaningful cricket, with poor weather a very likely possibility.

"Secondly, we’ve been asking cricket authorities around the world to help us trial the pink ball under floodlights.

"If this match is a success, it could help to re-invigorate Test cricket. We have an opportunity to play our part for the good of the game and we’re determined to grasp it."

Durham CCC Head Coach, Geoff Cook, added: "Although it is a disappointment not to have the traditional season opener at Lord’s we fully understand and support the reasons for that and are therefore honoured to have the opportunity to take part in this innovative and historic match.

"As the game of cricket generally is moving forward, the possibility of playing with pink cricket balls for the first time in a four-day match, under floodlights, is an experience that the players will be really looking forward to."

MCC will select a competitive team to face the double county champions, with the best county, MCC University and United Arab Emirates cricketers in line for selection.