MORE CARIBBEAN cricket fans are now buying tickets for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup as Phase Two of public ticketing draws to a close.

The latest sales trends have shown an increase in ticket purchases by host venue nationals as the tournament draws nearer; with five countries which will stage matches in ICC CWC 2007 ranking among the top 10 nations worldwide for the most tickets bought.

In fact, collectively the number of tickets purchased by all host venue nationals exceeds that of the U.K., which has been the top-ranked country for ticket purchases from the outset of public ticketing. Commenting on this surge, ICC CWC 2007 commercial manager, Stephen Price, noted that "obviously Caribbean residents are now getting excited about the Cricket World Cup, and sitting up and buying tickets."

"They don't want to miss out on the most amazing event to ever come to the Caribbean so they are making sure they have their tickets," he said.

At present, fans from the U.K., the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, India, Canada, Guyana, and Grenada, respectively, lead the way in numbers of tickets purchased. They are followed by South Africa and then three more host venues - St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. "Anticipation is building towards the (Cricket) World Cup, especially with fans watching the stadiums and other CWC-related projects coming to fruition. Also, the strong showing of the West Indies team in the ICC Champions Trophy - establishing themselves as contenders for the title next year - has intensified the interest among regional fans," Price said.

Stressing that there were just two weeks until the close of Phase Two on November 30, Price urged fans globally to seize the opportunity to give a unique gift of CWC match tickets as Christmas presents - and get their Yuletide shopping done early.

Opportunity

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get family and friends an unusual present - something they will remember for a lifetime: tickets to the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Ticket prices compare favourably with other traditional gift options - US$10 can buy a ticket to the West Indies-India warm-up game in Jamaica or the Australia-England warm-up in St. Vincent and US$40 can get four warm-up tickets at one venue. There are also Group Stage tickets for as low as US$15 and US$25 and Super Eight tickets for US$25," stated the CWC commercial manager, reminding that the third and final phase of public ticketing will not open until mid-January.

Price said interest in the event is high partially because of the exotic Caribbean destinations which will be hosting matches.

"Look at the excitement in the crowds at the ICC Champions Trophy in India. The expectation is that the atmosphere in the Caribbean will be even better because of our reputation for great hospitality, fun and partying. People are coming from all over the world - from more than 100 countries - to participate in what will be an unforgettable experience.

"It's going to be the best Cricket World Cup and we want fans to come for the cricket - and stay for the party," he declared.