ICC Chief Executive, SLC President express satisfaction on success of ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017
International Cricket Council Chief Executive David Richardson has thanked Sri Lanka Cricket for helping organise the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 while Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala has expressed pride at having contributed to its success.
The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 was held at four venues in Colombo from 7 to 21 February in which 10 teams competed for four places in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 as well as the ICC Women’s Championship. The top six teams also earned ODI status from this tournament for the next four-year cycle.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson: “I’d like to thank Sri Lanka Cricket for successfully hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017. Congratulations to India for their victory and to South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan on qualification for this summer's ICC Women's World Cup.
“The tournament was followed avidly in different parts of the world with thousands watching the matches which were live-streamed on icc-cricket.com. It was extremely encouraging to see the amount of support for the tournament around the globe as women's cricket continues to build its popularity.
“This summer's ICC Women’s World Cup promises to be the biggest edition of the tournament so far and there is a lot of anticipation as we get closer to the event, particularly now we know all the teams competing.”
**Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala: “**Women’s cricket plays a pivotal and important role in the globalization of cricket whilst giving the opportunity for cricket-playing nations to play effective and competitive cricket.
“This tournament has created immense opportunities and a platform to enhance the quality of the game amongst women who have been playing cricket for their respective countries. Sri Lanka Cricket is happy and we feel good at getting to partner with ICC to host this tournament to the satisfaction of all the participating nations.
“Sri Lanka Cricket is pleased and proud to have the unique opportunity of hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017. We are glad to be part of a sustainable means to develop the game globally and we thank the ICC for the opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka and its offerings to the rest of the world.”
India won the tournament off the last ball, defeating South Africa by one wicket in the final. Host Sri Lanka and Pakistan were the other teams to qualify for the pinnacle event while Ireland and Bangladesh retained their ODI status. Zimbabwe, Scotland, Thailand and Papua New Guinea were the other teams to participate in the tournament.