Trent Bridge is to be a host venue for the 2009 Twenty/20 World Cup Cricket tournament.

The England and Wales Cricket Board chose Trent Bridge above cricket grounds across the country to be one of just three host venues for the prestigious tournament along with Lords and the Oval.

Dave Trimble, City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said:: "This is fantastic news for Nottingham and the county. Cricket is a massive worldwide sport so to be chosen to host one of the game's biggest tournaments is a huge boost for the city and the region. Thousands of people will be coming to the group games Trent Bridge will host as well as the semi-final which is expected to have a worldwide tv audience of 500 million."

"The decision by the Lawn Tennis Association to move Nottingham's pre-Wimbeldon tournament to Eastborne on the south coast was disappointing but this announcement makes up for it. It's good to see a national sporting body committed to giving venues north of the M25 the chance to host major tournaments.

"The major improvements being made at Trent Bridge will have been a significant factor in the ground getting this decision and the City Council is pleased to have been able to support this work along with other partners."

"We will be working with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club to maximise the cricket development opportunities hosting the tournament will bring for local people, particularly youngsters, including organising a 'festival of cricket'.

"The success in bringing this tournament here along with other events such as the FA Women's Cup shows the ambition that the City Council and other local agencies have to build on Nottingham's reputation for being a great city for sport."

For more more information: www.trentbridge.co.uk