NORTH-EAST cricket fans will be able to see the best players in the world compete next summer after the ECB confirmed Durham and Yorkshire will host a number of Cricket World Cup matches - including two England games.

The Riverside in Chester-le-Street will host England's final group game against New Zealand on July 3, as well as Sri Lanka vs West Indies on July 1 and Sri Lanka vs South Africa on June 28.

Yorkshire's Headingley Stadium will host England vs Sri Lanka on June 21, as well as Pakistan vs Afghanistan on June 29, West Indies vs Afghanistan on July 4 and Sri Lanka vs India on July 6.

The final of the 48-game tournament will be held at Lord's on July 14, with the semi-finals at Edgbaston and Old Trafford.

The opening game of the tournament between England and South Africa will take place at The Oval on May 30.

David Harker, chief executive of Durham County Cricket Club said: “We are excited to be hosting the 2019 Cricket World Cup at the Riverside. We are looking forward to welcoming fans from across the World as well as the England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka teams”

“We are delighted to be hosting another major England game in Durham. The competition will provide an excellent showcase of cricket at the highest level with some of the World’s best players on show.”

“The games will provide a world class entertainment experience for cricket fans, sports fans and family days out. The competition will once again provide global coverage for Chester-Le-Street, Durham and the wider region.”

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: "We are extremely proud to be a host county for next year’s Cricket World Cup, with three games here in Durham.

“Events such as this put our whole region on the sporting map, and we can’t wait to be part of the celebrations next summer.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, added: “We’re delighted that Durham has been chosen a host city for three games in next year’s Cricket World Cup.

“Being part of such a notable global event will raise our profile as a world-class sporting county and in turn will no doubt have a significant and positive impact on our visitor economy”.

Mark Arthur, Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive said: “The Club is delighted to be hosting four prestigious fixtures in next year’s ICC World Cup. Headingley will be transformed ahead of the tournament as we look forward to welcoming England, Pakistan, India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

“Headingley has had a history of staging thrilling matches featuring these nations and look forward to welcoming qualifiers Afghanistan. We can guarantee that the Yorkshire public will be extremely enthusiastic about today’s announcement and get behind the teams in next year’s tournament.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of council and executive member for economy and culture at Leeds City Council added: “We are delighted to be a part of the world’s greatest cricket celebration with four fantastic fixtures here at Headingley.

"The whole city is excited to be part of the Cricket World Cup and to welcome a global audience to Leeds.”

David Richardson, ICC chief executive,  said: “It’s always an exciting moment ahead of any major event to announce the schedule and for the ICC Cricket World Cup, it’s that extra special.

"Next summer fans around the world will be treated to compelling and competitive cricket as the best teams in the world go head to head in this round robin format for the right to be crowned World Champions.

"This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country.

"We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.”

Steve Elworthy, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 managing director, added: “Today’s announcement of the schedule is another important moment in the build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – the moment that the tournament comes to life for teams and cricket lovers across the world. This is the flagship event in one day cricket.

“There are some fantastic head to head fixtures – England v Australia at Lord’s and India v Pakistan at Old Trafford as well as England v India at Edgbaston spring to mind.

"As organisers we can promise the teams and fans we will work hard to provide the perfect stage for this event."