MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET TOURNAMENTS COME TO GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE IN 2008

All-Stars from India, Pakistan and the West Indies to Compete in Memorial Day Weekend Tournament at First International Cricket Stadium in the U.S.

 GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla – February 27, 2008 – Greater Fort Lauderdale will host several high profile cricket tournaments in 2008, starting with the Memorial Day weekend MAQ T20 International Cricket Tournament, a three-day tournament anticipated to draw more than 35,000 spectators. All tournaments will be played at the new Central Broward Regional Park, home to a brand new 5,000 seat state-of-the-art cricket stadium.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is proud to be the home of the only international cricket stadium in the United States,” says Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to add cricket to our list of sporting options and invite cricket fans and players from around the world to explore our destination and all that it has to offer.”

“Visitors from around the world will now come to Broward County to enjoy international sporting events such as Cricket,” said Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler. “Cricket is a sport that has worldwide and local appeal and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy the first-class facilities at Broward County's Central Regional park.”

Teams featuring all-stars from India, Pakistan, the West Indies and the World XI will compete in the 20/20 format tournament, a faster-paced version of cricket ideal for American fans. The festivities kick off with a lively opening ceremony by local South Florida marching bands, dance teams, legendary cricket players and international dignitaries. Fans can cheer and dance along with live music from reggae, soca, calypso and steel drum bands during Saturday and Sunday night matches.

“By staging top flight international 20/20 cricket tournaments, fans will get a chance to see all-star cricketers from throughout the world firsthand,” says Mahammad Qureshi, Chairman & CEO of Cricket Council USA.  “This will serve as a wonderful way to promote the exciting game of cricket and hopefully will result in a new generation of American cricket players.”

The following dates mark significant 2008 cricket tournaments in Greater Fort Lauderdale:

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