Five venues to undergo upgrades ahead of Women's World Cup 2022

"What goes on behind the scenes is a huge part of what happens out on the field," Andrea Nelson, ICC Women's World Cup 2022 CEO, said. "To achieve exceptional performances, players need access to appropriate facilities."

The upgrades will focus on the redevelopment of the dressing room facilities including making toilets gender neutral and "of a standard befitting the world's best players".

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Nelson expressed her delight that the hosting of a World Cup was proving to be a catalyst for "meaningful change" for athletes in New Zealand.

"This is what major events are all about. New Zealand's premier sporting venues and the players that grace them will benefit from these facility upgrades for many years to come."

"Beyond the nationwide celebration of cricket in 2022, the CWC22 legacy will improve the experience of our women and girls in cricket for future generations."

Echoing Nelson's thoughts, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson said that the aim is not only to be "good hosts" to the women players, but also to reduce barriers to participation by being more inclusive.

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"Facilities that are tailored for men are not always right for women, and part of this funding is about changing that, so we are good hosts for the world's best women players in 2022," he stated. "Gender-neutral facilities are lacking at all levels of the sector and this needs to change in order to encourage more women and girls to participate in play, active recreation and sport."

"As well as providing high-quality and safe facilities for the Cricket World Cup teams, they'll provide an example of what good inclusivity looks like for everyone using the changing facilities regardless of gender, reducing barriers to participation."

The Basin Reserve will be the first facility to be upgraded, while the Bay Oval in Tauranga is already at an acceptable standard.