WACA to lose major international games to new Perth Stadium

Perth's WACA ground will no longer host international matches featuring England, India or South Africa from 2018/19, with all major tests as well as Big Bash League matches set to move to the new Perth Stadium.

Under a plan announced by the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) today (3rd September), the WACA Ground will become a boutique venue that will host only the countries that draw smaller crowds such as Sheffield Shield cricket, domestic limited-overs games and internationals involving other test playing nations such as New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

The plans also includes a proposal to develop high-performance and administration facilities for both the WACA and West Australian Football Commission, with some WACA land to be sold to raise capital for the development.

Chairman Sam Gannon said the development of the WACA Ground would cost between $150 million and $200 million, depending on the final design.

Gannon said the development would transform cricket in Western Australia and secure its future as a major participation and spectator sport, stating "the recommendations will see growth of cricket at all levels from grassroots to the elite.

We now have the opportunity to showcase the best of world and domestic cricket at two modern stadiums, providing players and spectators with facilities expected for modern sport."

Gannon said the WACA would seek to fund the development from the Western Australian and Federal Governments, sponsorships and Cricket Australia.

He added "the WACA Board will be formally advising Premier Colin Barnett of its adoption of Vision 2030 and that it will be making a submission to secure a financial contribution from the State Government for the development program which is expected to occur in stages over the next six or seven years, subject to Government support.

"As a result of this significant investment in infrastructure, the WACA Ground will have world-class spectator, member and player facilities as well as an elite high-performance centre."

WACA President Dennis Lillee resigned from his role on Tuesday, apparently unhappy with this plan, told the West Australian "I cannot stand by and watch what is happening at the WACA."

The WACA's suggestion that the West Australian Football Commission relocate from Domain Stadium to the WACA echoes comments made by Premier Barnett in June.

While no announcement has yet been made on the future of Domain Stadium after the opening of the new Perth Stadium in 2018, its future as an elite sporting venue would appear bleak.

2nd September 2015 - DENNIS LILLEE RESIGNS AS WACA PRESIDENT

17th June 2015 - WESTERN AUSTRALIA PREMIER URGES AFL TEAMS TO CO-LOCATE AT THE WACA

15th February 2014 - CRICKET WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN BEGINS IN PERTH

19th December 2013 - WACA ABANDONS STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PLAN