Hellas seek to defend indoor title at ‘home of cricket'

Hellas (Greece) will defend their European Cricket Council (ECC) Indoor Championship crown at Lord's Cricket Ground from 10 to 12 February 2006.

Hellas will be one of a record eight teams vying for the title at the newly-refurbished Indoor School a decade after the same venue hosted the inaugural ECC indoor competition.

This time around the holders will have to overcome Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg and Portugal to retain the title they won in Herning, Denmark last year.

ICC European Development Manager Richard Holdsworth explained that the event will be an important competitive opportunity for emerging European cricket nations.

"The ECC Indoor Championship will provide a unique opportunity for players from eight of our member countries to play at the `home of cricket'," said Mr Holdsworth.

"The indoor game is a frenetic 10-over six-a-side game but the techniques of batting, bowling and fielding remain the same and it stands players in good stead for progressing to outdoor cricket.

"Hellas has a good tradition of performing well at this level and they will be the team to beat again this time around. We are, of course, very grateful to MCC for allowing us to use their facilities for this important event."

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Secretary Roger Knight said that MCC was delighted to expand its support of European cricket by hosting this event.

"This will be the first opportunity for some of the younger European players to compete in London," said Mr Knight.

"It is always a thrill for any cricketer to play the game at Lord's and I wish all the teams, the officials and the supporters a most enjoyable weekend at the Indoor School."

Admission to the event is free. Media interested in attending should contact richard.holdsworth@ecc-cricket.com.

Event timings:

Fri 10 Feb 16.00 - 21.00
Sat 11 Feb 10.00 - 20.00
Sun 12 Feb 08.30 - 14.00

Previous winners:

2005 Hellas (Greece)
2004 Denmark
2003 Denmark
2002 Hellas (Greece)
2001 Portugal
2000 The Netherlands
1999 Portugal
1998 Portugal
1997 Sweden