Sano City decides to establish Japan’s first international cricket field
The city council of Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, passed the “Sano City International Cricket Ground Ordinance” on the 22nd. The ordinance renames the former Tanuma High School athletic field the Sano City International Cricket Ground, making it a base for promoting cricket and sports tourism. This is an opportunity for Sano City to attract international matches, etc.
The aim is to develop the cricket ground to meet international standards.
This is the first time in Japan that the establishment of a cricket field has been stipulated by ordinance. It will also be the first time that a cricket field that meets international standards will be built.
The association designated Sano City as a priority base in 2008, and has been working to provide on-site classes to elementary and junior high schools, organize tournaments, and develop stadiums. In 2011, the “Cricket Town Sano” Supporter Club was established by local businesses and volunteers, and currently about 85 companies and 300 individuals are participating, and they are cooperating both materially and spiritually in promoting the sport. Sano City also established the “Sports City Promotion Basic Plan” in 2014, and aims to promote sports tourism through cricket as the core of the city, aiming to become a leading city in Japan as a “cricket city.” .
Currently, there are five facilities in the city that can host matches, approximately 200 people play the game, and 5,000 people experience it each year, and the foundation as a “Cricket City” is being established. The decision to establish a “cricket field” is a major step forward in that direction. It will also be a major turning point in the spread and development of cricket in Japan, and Sano City will make great strides as a leading city in domestic cricket.
Approximately 180 matches were held at the Sano City International Cricket Ground in 2016, and the first Men’s East Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in November this year, welcoming South Korea, China, and Hong Kong.
