Netherlands to live stream ICC WCL Div.1 matches

Amsterdam, June 30 : In a major boost to the promotion and coverage of the ICC World Cricket League Division 1, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced six of the 18 matches would be live streamed on the tournament and EPSN STAR Sports websites.

As such, die-hard fans of the game will now be able to follow all the action in real time from VRA ground in Amsterdam, including the final on 10 July.

The five-camera coverage will include live commentary, replays, captains' interviews at the toss, flash interviews after the completion of the first innings and post-match interviews of the captains and the player of the match.

The matches to be streamed live include the Netherlands v Scotland game on 1 July, Canada v Scotland (3 July), Kenya v Afghanistan (5 July), Ireland v Canada (7 July), the Netherlands v Ireland (9 July) and the 10 July final.

It is the first time that the ICC World Cricket League Division 1 will be broadcast in such a manner.

Afghanistan captain Nowroz Khan Mangal was delighted with this news.

"It's a great contribution by ICC's commercial partners to ensure people back home can follow our performance and progress in this very important tournament," said Mangal.

"Although only one of our matches will be streamed live, it is good news for our fans in Afghanistan coming on the back of live TV coverage of the ICC World Twenty20 2010.

"I'm sure this will go a long way in the continued promotion and development of the sport in Afghanistan."

Scotland captain Gordon Drummond said: "It is a great opportunity for the fans who cannot be here to follow the proceedings on their computers while sitting in their comfortable chairs.

"Live streaming of the tournament will provide a good chance for the Scottish fans to watch some of the new guys in the side and see what they are capable of doing at this level.

"Likewise, it will also be an opportunity for the up and coming cricketers to see the standard of the game at this level and improve upon their skills in the training camps so that when they step into the senior side, they exactly know what are the challenges and expectations and how they can meet those demands."