Photo: Geelong Advertiser

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren and representatives from the International Cricket Council, Local Organising Committee, Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria at the MCG today to announce host cities and venues.

For the first time in its history, the ICC World T20 will feature two stand-alone events. The women’s competition will be held in February and March, before the men play in October and November.

A sellout crowd for the Women’s final on International Women’s Day would make history – breaking the world record attendance for any women’s sport fixture.

Today’s announcement also confirms the MCG as the home of cricket, which will host Super 12 Matches for the men’s tournament and the final.

Group games for the women’s tournament will be played at Junction Oval in St Kilda – something only possible thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s redevelopment of the iconic ground.

Victoria’s regions will also benefit, with Geelong named as an official host city. The new and improved Kardinia Park – funded by the Labor Government – will host matches for the men’s tournament.

With more people watching and playing cricket than ever before, thousands of fans are expected to visit our state to catch the action.

Tournaments like this not only boost our economy and major events calendar, they inspire our young athletes to join local cricket clubs and help us find the next Steve Smith or Meg Lanning.