Scotland to host World Cup qualifier in 2013

Scotland will host the next ICC Cricket World Cup qualifying tournament in 2013. The news was confirmed by Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith at the start of the new year, following a Board meeting in December, where it was formally agreed to accept the ICC's invitation to stage this important event.

ICC Pitch Inspector Andy Atkinson visited Scotland in August to run his eye over a wide range of potential venues for the event. His favourable report led to the recommendation that Scotland should be given the chance to host the event that decides which of the Associate Member countries progresses to the 2015 World Cup itself.

The qualifying tournament is expected to be held over two to three weeks in July, and initial planning suggests that up to 11 venues throughout Scotland will be required to stage the warm-up games and the competitive matches.

Cricket Scotland's Facilities Committee, headed by Board director Jim Mcfadyen, will now look in detail at the potential venues, and work with the clubs over the next three years to ensure that any necessary work is done to bring them up to the required standards.

Roddy Smith said: "We are delighted to be invited to host this event, and it is too good an opportunity to miss this chance to compete for a World Cup place in our own familiar environment.

"It will certainly provide a focus for the sport in Scotland, and we are fortunate in the Associate cricket world to have so many high-quality facilities available throughout the country for this purpose."

More details of the planning for this event will be made public from time to time as work progresses.