Commonwealth Games will be a part of recovery plan after the pandemic, says CEO Ian Reid

part of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022. Tuesday (July 28) marked exactly two years to go for the opening ceremony of the competition.

“Today marks exactly two years to go until the official opening ceremony for Birmingham 2022 and we’re on track with our plans to host a spectacular event which will not only put Birmingham and the West Midlands centre stage but will also be an integral part of the region’s recovery plan following the global pandemic, bringing jobs for local people and contracts for local businesses,” said Ian Reid, chief executive officer for Birmingham 2022, in a statement to the ICC.

The tournament will be the latest addition to the list of major sporting events England has had over the last few years, starting from the 2012 London Olympics to the Men’s Cricket World Cup last year.

“It only feels like yesterday that the Commonwealth Games Federation awarded the city the right to stage the XXII edition of the competition, when in reality, that announcement was back in December 2017,” said Dame Louise Martin, president of the CWG Federation.

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“Birmingham and the West Midlands are making excellent progress towards staging a fantastic competition for athletes, fans and spectators, alike, across the Commonwealth.”

CWG 2022 will feature 71 countries and territories in all. Having cricket in the marquee event is expected to add impetus to the popularity of women’s cricket across the globe.

“Women's cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honoured the Commonwealth Games Associations voted to include Women's T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022,” ICC’s CEO Manu Sawhney had said.

“Fast and exciting, the T20 format is the perfect fit for the Commonwealth Games and offers another chance to showcase women's cricket on the global stage as part of our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the game, whilst inspiring the next generation of cricketers.”

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