Jurgen Holman, chairman of the associate members group of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its administrative officer, Clive Hitchcock, have inspected four grounds in Dublin as part of their assessment of the Irish Cricket Union's bid to host the ICC Trophy tournament in 2001. In the course of their visit they had a meeting with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
The ICC Trophy is the associate members' international tournament from which the top three competing nations qualify for the World Cup. Ireland narrowly missed qualification in Malaysia last year, when Kenya, Bangladesh and Scotland got through to next year's World Cup in England.
The two ICC officials also met Jim McDaid, the Minister for Sport, Matt McNulty, director general, Bord Failte, and John Treacy of the Irish Sports Council. Since the ICC Trophy competition attracts thousands of players, officials and supporters to the host country, Holman and Hitchcock also inspected hotels in Dublin. They will also travel to Canada and the US before recommending which of the three bidding countries should host the event.
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