Desert Springs cricket ground has received ICC accreditation to host One Day International matches. The ground, situated in the Almeria region of Spain, has met all the requirements to host ODI cricket. The Spanish venue is the first ground in Europe outside an existing ODI nation to receive this status.
The ICC sets minimum requirements for a ground to receive T20I, ODI or Test match status. To achieve ODI accreditation, the facility must have a turf wicket, as well as safety requirements and a minimum size of the playing area. The cricket ground, completed in 2018, is part of the wider Desert Springs resort, which includes accommodation, catering, and other sporting facilities. The resort has already proved popular for training camps and cricket tourism.
Desert Springs has already displayed its pedigree when it comes to international cricket, hosting a T20I series between Spain and Germany in March 2020. The two-match series was shared 1-1. The venue is one of about twelve grounds with turf wickets in continental Europe, though around half of those are in the Netherlands. Coupled with an incredible mountainous backdrop, the ground is one of the top cricket facilities in Europe.
Despite accreditation, it is not immediately obvious when Desert Springs will host its first ODI. Spain does not currently hold ODI status and does not play in the Cricket World Cup Challenge League. Any ODI cricket hosted in the near future is likely to be as a neutral venue. Europe has 4 teams with ODI status: full members England and Ireland, and associates Scotland and Netherlands. All four nations face cold winters and long off-seasons. Desert Springs, with a warm-climate year-round, could offer winter training or fixtures to the Northern nations.
You’re reading Emerging Cricket — brought to you by a passionate group of volunteers with a vision for cricket to be a truly global sport, and a mission to inspire passion to grow the game.
Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, please subscribe for regular updates, and follow EC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Don’t know where to start? Check out our features list, country profiles, and subscribe to our podcast.
Support us from US$2 a month — and get exclusive benefits, by becoming an EC Patron.
The final of the quadrangular series saw Spain take on Brazil. The South American side…
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering expanding the men's T20 World Cup to 24…
Following on from their emphatic victory over Jersey yesterday, Brazil returned to action with a…
Brazil began their quadrangular tournament campaign in Zurich with an 87-run victory over Jersey. Going…
"We're going into those meetings with our chins and our heads a bit higher" said…
Two days on from the ICC announcement outlining changes to the formats for both the…
