English County Cricket Club Essex is optimistic it will play a Twenty20 match at London Stadium next season, as part of a trial run at the venue ahead of staging games at the 2019 World Cup.
London Stadium, the home of English Premier League football club West Ham United, is scheduled to host two games during the World Cup, which will be staged at various venues across England and Wales. Organisers are keen for a series of test events to take place at the facility prior to the national team contest.
A feasibility study earlier this year concluded that the stadium would be able to host matches, provided certain areas of seating were removed, additional turf was laid and the game was played on a drop-in pitch.
Citing a source inside the club, The Times newspaper has said that talks between Essex, Newham Council and the London Legacy Development Corporation have been positive, with the council agreeing to help fund the expected £500,000 (€583,500/$621,800) cost of the match at the venue.
“There are still logistical issues to overcome — not least the development and cost of a drop-in pitch, but we are very hopeful of at least one match there during July or August 2018,” the source said.
