2001-2002 Pura Cup and ING Cup fixtures released
The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today released the official domestic programs for the 2001 -2002 Pura Cup and ING Cup (formerly the Mercantile Mutual Cup) competitions.
The Pura Cup will commence when reigning champions, the Queensland Bulls begin their quest for a hat-trick of first-class titles, taking on the Western Warriors on Wednesday, 17 October, at The Gabba in Brisbane. The Bulls won the Pura Cup in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, defeating Victoria on both occasions.
The opening round will also see the New South Wales Blues host last year's third place getters, the Tasmanian Tigers at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while the Southern Redbacks will tackle the Victorian Bushrangers in Adelaide.
After the success of last year's schedule, The ING Cup will again feature a full home and away program, as well as staging a match at one new venue in regional Australia.
Winner's of last year's one-day competition, the New South Wales Blues take on the Southern Redbacks in the New South Wales north coast town of Coffs Harbour on Saturday 12 January.
The Tasmanian Tigers will again play ING Cup fixtures away from their traditional home at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, with a match each scheduled for Launceston and Devonport.
Announcing the program, Australian Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer, James Sutherland, said: " The Pura Cup and ING Cup competitions provide followers of Australian cricket with the opportunity to watch the world's best two domestic competitions.
"The intense rivalry between states and the exceptional level of competition is also an ideal environment for state players to gain the attributes required for international selection.
"I believe both fixtures auger well for an exciting summer of Australian cricket," Mr Sutherland said.
The Nine Network will again provide free-to-air television coverage of 13 ING Cup matches throughout the season, including the ING Cup final on 24 February. Pay television operator C7 will also provide an extensive coverage of Australian cricket, televising three ING Cup fixtures, 10 Pura Cup matches, and six tour matches throughout the domestic season.
Australia's domestic one-day cricket competition, known formerly as the Mercantile Mutual Cup, has been renamed the ING Cup, in line with the name change of its primary sponsor from Mercantile Mutual to ING earlier this year.
The coming season will be the tenth year that ING has sponsored the domestic one-day competition, during which time it has developed to become Australia's breeding ground for rising one-day international players.
The competition has also seen the introduction of several popular and successful innovations both on and off the field. The "Hit the Sign" competition and more recently the "Bonus Point" run rate incentive, have promoted an attacking and entertaining brand of cricket, enjoyed by fans and players alike.
Such is the competition's importance to the development of the game on the world stage, that several innovations introduced into the ING Cup over the last few years are being considered for implementation at an international level. ING is contracted to sponsor the domestic one-day competition for the next five years and in conjunction with the Australian Cricket Board is continuing to support further promotions and innovations in the game.
© 2001 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia. |
| First Class Teams | New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia. |
| Season | Australian Domestic Season |
| Internal Links | Schedule. |
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