CRICKET Fiji marks another important step in its development with the opening of a new International size cricket field at Central College Lautoka today.
The newly laid pitch, which features full 65-metre boundaries all around the wicket, is earmarked as a ground capable of hosting future international matches, as well as Elite Player League, national junior tournaments and local club cricket matches.
"The development of an international sized cricket playing venue has been an aim of Cricket Fiji for some time so it is pleasing to have such a fine facility now ready to be played on," said Cricket Fiji General Manager Martin Shaw.
"The assistance of Central College in allowing the newly laid pitch to be placed in the most advantageous position on the ground has been greatly appreciated."
The official opening will include Cricket Fiji Board members and staff, representatives from local council and Central College as well as the Western Cricket Association, along with some former players.
The official opening, which will take place at 1:00pm, will be preceded by a celebrity game featuring players from this year's Under 17 national squad mingling with several senior national team players, Cricket Fiji Board members and some retired former national team members.
"The idea behind the celebrity match was to try to bring together some of the past players and identities who have helped bring cricket to its current position and have them play with the stars of the future," said Shaw.
The celebrity match and official opening will be followed by the first match in the MobiMedia Western Cricket Championship between Young Guns CC and Nakavu CC.