NSW is set to host six free warm-up matches in the lead up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, including three in the heart of Western Sydney.

From Monday February 9, Blacktown International Sportspark and the Sydney Cricket Ground will host matches featuring the likes of England, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the West Indies.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres said the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 warm-up matches will be easily accessible for sports fans across Sydney.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to see the world’s best players and teams going head-to-head in our own backyard,” Mr Ayres said.

“These warm-up matches are a chance to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience a world class event.

“There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the tournament than to go out to Blacktown or the SCG and get a taste of what we’re in for,” Mr Ayres added.

Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello said the warm-up matches would allow fans from all nations to get an early look at the visiting teams.

“The sport of cricket has demonstrated its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures right across the globe,” Mr Dominello said.

“Sydney is a truly global city and I know the visiting teams will receive great support during these warm-up matches from both international visitors and Sydneysiders who want to get behind their country of origin.”

The Sydney Cricket Ground will play to host several high profile matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 including Australia v Sri Lanka, a Quarter Final and a Semi Final.

Free tickets to warm-up matches are available online at www.cricketworldcup.com from January 22.

WARM-UP MATCHES

DATE
VENUE
TEAMS
Monday 9 February 2015
Blacktown
Bangladesh v Pakistan
Monday 9 February 2015
SCG
England v West Indies
Tuesday 10 February 2015
Blacktown
Scotland v Ireland
Wednesday 11 February 2015
SCG
Pakistan v England
Thursday 12 February 2015
Blacktown
Ireland v Bangladesh
Thursday 12 February 2015
SCG
West Indies v Scotland

ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015

DATE
VENUE
TEAMS
Friday 27 February 2015
SCG
South Africa v West Indies
Sunday 8 March 2015
SCG
Australia v Sri Lanka
Friday 13 March 2015
SCG
England v Afghanistan
Wednesday 18 March 2015
SCG
Quarter Final
Thursday 26 March 2015
SCG
Semi Final