Ireland's North West Cricket Union "pulled the plug" on this year's Ulster Cup because there is no sponsor. The competition was due to have been held in the North West on Aug. 6. But money from O'Neills, which has been the long-term sponsor of the competition, has been, according to a North West spokesperson, "diverted to other resources" by Cricket Ireland (BELFAST TELEGRAPH, 7/18).
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate "wants to poach" test cricket from the Gabba and deliver it to Metricon Stadium. The Gabba has "already copped a blow" for the upcoming season, "losing its status as the spiritual home" of the first test of the summer and missing out on a match against India in favor of Sri Lanka. If hosting Big Bash League games at Metricon Stadium is successful, "then Gold Coast heavy hitters are prepared to launch a bid" for a test match (Brisbane COURIER-MAIL, 7/18).
Sydney Thunder hopes to play a BBL and WBBL doubleheader at the Manuka Oval on Dec. 21.GETTY IMAGES
The Manuka Oval will host two Sydney Thunder Big Bash League games as Canberra's "summer of cricket just keeps getting bigger." The "cricket ball is in the ACT government's court," with the Thunder "keen" to play a BBL and WBBL doubleheader at the ground on Dec. 21 and host another BBL clash there "just days after the historic first Test match" (THE AGE, 7/18).
