Howzat! ICC World Cup win for Derby

It has been announced today by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that Derby's 3aaa County Ground will be one of five venues across England to host the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017.

The bid to bring the World Cup to Derby was supported by the business community as part of the #WereBackingTheBid campaign. Over 60 local businesses funded a giant set of cricket stumps erected on the Pentagon Roundabout which will act as a lasting legacy.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club and key partner in the campaign Derby City Council hopes the global sporting event will inspire young women across the county.

Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Simon Storey, said: “It's tremendous news for the city and the wider county that Derby has been selected to host matches at next summer's Women's Cricket World Cup. The unique support that we received from across the community has helped us demonstrate that the city of Derby is a great place to live, work, enjoy sport and will be a great destination for visitors from across the world.”

Derby City Council Leader, Ranjit Banwait, added: “Derby has a fantastic opportunity with the Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017 - it will attract visitors, grow local business and create jobs for local people. It's an exciting prospect for the city.”

Managing Director of Marketing Derby, John Forkin, said: “It's brilliant news to become a World Cup host city and we congratulate the bidding team. Derby will prove a welcoming home for teams and visitors.”

The ICC Women's World Cup 2017 will be the first global sporting event to be held in Derby since the Men's Cricket World Cup in 1999.