ICC approves two more Scottish grounds for ODIs

Dubai, May 12 (UNI) Mannofield and Cambusdoon got the nod as ICC formally approved the use of these two Scottish grounds for one day international matches following an official visit last month by Emirates Elite Panel Match Referee Chris Broad.

Mannofield is the home of Aberdeenshire Cricket Club in the Granite City, which is being used this week for the ICC Intercontinental Cup match between Scotland and Namibia, and Cambusdoon houses Ayr Cricket Club, which will now host the three ECC European Championship matches between ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands, in August.

The approval of both grounds comes with some caveats about the provision or upgrading of certain facilities, which will be carried out as soon as possible.

Elated with the announcement, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Officer Roddy Smith said, ''We are very pleased at the ICC's approval for these grounds, as it was vital to have alternatives to the Citylets Grange ground available for our rapidly-increasing international fixture commitments.'' Richard Holdsworth, ICC Regional Development Manager for Europe, said, ''As one of the leading Associate Members of the ICC, it is important that Scotland develops its ground facilities to match its ambitions.'' ''These approvals are a first step towards encouraging that progress, and we look forwarding to enjoying the three European Championship matches in the sunny surroundings of Cambusdoon later this year,'' he said.

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