The return of Big Bash League cricket to Lavington Sportsground has been supported by the NSW government with $100,000 awarded to Albury council from the final round of the NSW ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund.
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NSW Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said on his visit to the Border on Wednesday that the redeveloped $19.6 million venue will welcome a BBL match in the 2021-22 season.
Lavington Sportsground previously hosted Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars for WBBL matches and BBL practice games in 2016 and 2017, but a men's fixture for competition points is set to go ahead on the Border for the first time next summer.
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"The T20 legacy fund has delivered over $6 million. Today is the final announcement of $2 million for 77 different projects across the state," Mr Lee said.
"The NSW government will provide $100,000 to Albury council to host a Big Bash League match in Albury.
"It's a fantastic announcement and we look forward to the summer of 2021-22 to hold that match right here (at Lavington Sportsground).
"It will be a great opportunity to bring people from across NSW and Australia and if not internationally when borders open to showcase the best of our regions."
The NSW government will provide $100,000 to Albury council to host a Big Bash League match in Albury.
- NSW Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW government is eager to upgrade cricket facilities to boost grassroots development.
"It is fantastic to see the final round of the T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund deliver projects to regional communities, giving country towns the same quality facilities as those in the city and improving participation rates in the sport," Mr Barilaro said.
"We are committed to supporting cricket in regional NSW and I am pleased to announce Big Bash fans in Coffs Harbour and Albury will get to see their heroes in action with the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder locked in for fixtures in the 2021-22 season.
"T20 cricket has given new life to the game, keeping kids interested and attracting new fans."
Mr Lee added the funds will go towards infrastructure for community cricket clubs, as well as support for female programs and resources across the state.
"We are committed to ensuring a lasting legacy from hosting T20 World Cup matches in Sydney and the legacy fund continues to deliver great outcomes," Mr Lee said.
In a further boost for the region, $30,000 has been awarded to Holbrook Cricket Club for the redevelopment of its sports complex, while Cricket Albury-Wodonga scored a further $18,000 for junior programs.