The State’s love affair with sport is set to soar to new heights with the season launch of cricket in NSW.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres has joined Australian Captain Michael Clarke, as well as volunteers and officials, to launch the official 2014/15 cricket season.

“Off the back of recent record participation growth, Blues and Breakers success, six men and five women in the respective National Test teams, and record crowds at the Test, ODI and BBL matches, cricket has never been more popular in NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“Girls and boys all across NSW will join with their team mates, coaches, officials, volunteers and families this weekend and enjoy one of Australia’s favourite pastimes.”

The Cricket NSW season includes:
Matador One Day Cup starting next week in Brisbane with the competition returning to Sydney for its final two weeks
Test team off to UAE this weekend
Summer coming up for the Breakers as they look to do the double this season by winning the T20 comp again and win their 10th WNCL title in a row
Looking after regional NSW by taking cricket to both Newcastle and Wagga for Shield matches
The Sixers and Thunder starring in the Big Bash
Seeing India over for the Tests with a new look team
And just when we think it’s all over, we have the Cricket World Cup (CWC) starting in February

“We also expect the CWC event to inject tens-of-millions-of dollars into the NSW economy; an example of not only how the NSW Government is using major events to ensure NSW remains a major global and Asia-Pacific cultural hub, but also inject a significant boost to our multi-billion dollar tourism industry,” Mr Ayres said.

Mr Ayres also congratulated the NSW Blues on the important work they do as ambassadors for road safety.

“I join with the Blues in getting the message across to all cricket fans – drink driving isn’t acceptable and you must have a Plan B if you’re having a few drinks during or after the game.”