The BLACKCAPS will meet Pakistan and Sri Lanka in pool play of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 held in Sri Lanka from 18 September to 7 October.
The three teams form group D with all matches played in Pallekele. The BLACKCAPS will play Bangladesh on 21 September before meeting Pakistan on 23 September.
The group stages of the women’s tournament will take place in Galle where host Sri Lanka will take on one of the tournament qualifiers on 26 September, the first day of women’s matches. On the same date, last year’s losing finalist the White Ferns will meet the West Indies.
A total of 42 matches, including 27 men’s and 15 women’s matches, will be played over 20 days at four venues – R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele, Hambantota and Galle, with R Premadasa Stadium hosting the finals on Sunday 7 October.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “The ICC World Twenty20 is now a marquee event in Twenty20 cricket where nations challenge each other for the most coveted title in the shortest format of the game.
“The previous editions in South Africa, England and the West Indies have smartly established the ICC World Twenty20 as a major global event that is not only exciting and entertaining but embraces both men’s and women’s cricket.
“Nothing beats nation-versus-nation contests and when these battles take place in the newest, sharpest and quickest form of the game then you can feel the excitement in fans.
“We all know how passionate and loyal the Sri Lankan public is towards our Great Sport and we will ensure the tickets are affordable so that they can enjoy the event.
“Following the legacies and success of the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, I am confident that the hosts, Sri Lanka, will deliver a world class event.
“I am happy that the men’s and women’s semi-finals and finals will once again be played on the same days at the same venues. Those match-days provide a great setting for both the men’s and women’s game and we remain committed to showcase women’s cricket in this way, which is unique in the world of team sports.”
The tournament will include two teams qualifying from the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012, which will be staged in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13-24 March 2012.
Mr Lorgat added: “It will be exciting to see who eventually qualifies. In 2010, Afghanistan made history by qualifying to play on the global stage which was great reward for them and the development of the game.”
“Modern Spin” – the event logo
The event logo – “Modern Spin” – was also unveiled by Mr Lorgat.
Designed by Australian creative firm Witekite, the logo incorporates and amalgamates the rounded look of the Sinhalese Script. The letter “T” forms a player which leads into the “2” while the “0” incorporates a cricket ball.
The colours of the logo, with strong reds and oranges, are seen in both nature and Sri Lankan culture and arts, with their presence in the logo giving them a cricket “spin”. It has a natural sense of movement due to its fluid lines and forward angles.
Mr Lorgat said: “I am delighted to reveal this colourful logo that reflects the culture of Sri Lanka. The event now has a formal identity and we will use it to promote this exciting and entertaining event.”
The logo will be used on an ongoing basis over the next 12 months and will feature on publicity and promotional material during the build-up to and throughout what will be the fourth ICC World Twenty20.
