It is the first time the most prestigious trophy in women's cricket has been sponsored to the level which CricInfo has committed itself this year.

It is a timely association because CricInfo is launching New Zealand Cricket's new Internet site on December 1, just after the start of the CricInfo Women's World Cup.

The sponsorship is also an indication of CricInfo's commitment to its partnership with New Zealand Cricket and in recognising all elements of the game in this country.

New Zealand has a proud record in the women's game, and in the last two World Cups has finished runner-up. Growth at lower levels of the women's game is occurring at an astonishing rate and the CricInfo Women's World Cup will be an excellent opportunity to promote the value of the women's game.

CricInfo, the world's biggest cricket Internet site, has signed a five year contract with New Zealand Cricket to run its Internet site and this season will see a new player competing in the New Zealand media market with editorial and ball-by-ball content available 24 hours a day.

The CricInfo Women's World Cup is just the first taste of what CricInfo will have to offer New Zealanders.

To all the competing countries, welcome to New Zealand. We are sure you will enjoy the unique environment provided at Lincoln University where most of your games will be played.

Lincoln, with the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre on campus, has become the launching pad for the new generation of New Zealand cricketers and we are sure the CricInfo Women's World Cup will be a new starting point for women's cricket in New Zealand and the world.

Adrian Motherway
Chief Executive
CRICINFO NEW ZEALAND