http://www-aus.cricket.org/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/2002/OD_TOURNEYS/MOROCCO/MEDIA_RELEASE-2.html
$250,000 Prize money for Morocco Cup 2002
The Federation Royale Marocaine de Cricket (FRMC) has announced that The Morocco Cup 2002 will be one of the richest prizes in the cricketing calendar with $250,000 at stake. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa will compete for the inaugural trophy in a 50-overs one day triangular series to be held in Tangier between August 12-21st. The three countries have announced full strength squads for the series, which is seen as an important part of the build-up to next years World Cup which will be held in south Africa.
Percy Sonn The President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa and Vice-President of the African Cricket Association heartily welcomes the prospect of the new tournament.
“It is a real thrill for South African cricket to be involved in the first One-Day triangular series to be held in North Africa. Africa is the new zone for cricket and South Africa has pledged its commitment to ensuring the game grows to its full height on our precious continent. This historic event is an important milestone in the globalisation of the game and in its growth in Africa in particular.”
The final finishing touches are being applied to the multi-million dollar new stadium which has been built in Tangiers in a picturesque location surrounded by rolling hills. The ground has an initial capacity of over 5,000 spectators . The main pavilion has been designed over four storeys to provide generous, light and spacious accommodation, which includes players’ changing rooms, umpires area, adminstration offices, press gallery, television production areas and commentary booths, fixed camera platforms, restaurant and Dining areas.
The main building took 15 months to complete and sits on a 9 acre site adjacent to the Royal Gold Club of Tangier, which is currently being refurbished into a 18 hole championship course.
The playing area incorporates 5 wickets, which were sown with a mixture of 3 different grasses to provide year round durability. The square has been equipped with an underground drainage system which ensures it dries quickly in the event of rain, which is most unlikely in Tangier between march and October. The square was laid by a professional groundsman with more than 30 years experience.
Admission for the inaugural series will be free of charge. Considerable interest has been aroused within the local community, where cricket is fast gathering support and a large crowd is expected. A large number fans are also expected from the Indian sub-continent, from within the expatriate community of Spain and from Britain, which has a big core of cricket enthusiasts among the Asian population.