OLD Trafford has been bowled over after winning the right to host a record-breaking six matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup next summer.

The opening ICC Cricket World Cup fixture to be played at Emirates Old Trafford, will see a re-match of last year’s Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan on Sunday, June 16.

The England side will travel to Manchester to take on Afghanistan for their second group stage fixture on Tuesday, June 18.

Subsequent matches will see New Zealand v West Indies on Saturday June 22, India v West Indies on Thursday, June 27, a day/night game between South Africa and Australia on Saturday, July 6 and the first semi-final on Tuesday, July 9.

Lancashire Cricket Club chairman David Hodgkiss: said: “We are delighted with the six fixtures that Emirates Old Trafford has been allocated for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.

“It will mean that 2019 is going to be the biggest year in the club’s history, hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup as well as an Ashes test and it’ll be fantastic for cricket supporters, not just from the North West, but around the world, to enjoy watching some of the game’s best players at Old Trafford.

“We are honoured to be hosting one of England’s games, and the India-Pakistan fixture is one of the biggest games in world cricket, watched by 324 million viewers on TV at last year’s ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston.”

The ICC Cricket World Cup fixture announcement follows on from the High Profile Match allocation for 2020-24 in February, including an Ashes test in 2023.

Mr Hodgkiss added: “It once again confirms that Emirates Old Trafford is now one of the leading cricket venues in the world.”

Theresa Grant, Trafford Council chief executive, said: “The ICC Cricket World Cup coming to Old Trafford is a fantastic opportunity for our borough to enjoy the spotlight in front of a global audience, while celebrating what it has to offer as a focal point for sporting excellence.

“It is also a wonderful chance to be inspired by sportsmen competing on a world stage, so I’d encourage everyone who can to come along and get involved in what will be a truly amazing tournament.”

Lancashire’s director of cricket, Paul Allott, said: “It is fantastic news that Emirates Old Trafford has been awarded six ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures next year.

“Following the redevelopment that has taken place over the past 10 years, Emirates Old Trafford has become one of the leading venues in world cricket from both a playing and spectating perspective.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The ICC Cricket World Cup will shine a spotlight on Greater Manchester and it’s an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate what we do best — playing host to exciting elite sport and entertaining a global audience.

“Greater Manchester’s reputation as an international destination for sport is well deserved and the World Cup, alongside an Ashes test match in 2019, will form a significant part of next year’s sporting calendar.

“I look forward to the eyes of the sporting world once again being on Emirates Old Trafford next year.”