Manuka Oval could host a Sheffield Shield cricket game next summer if the ACT Government and NSW Blues come to a suitable arrangement.
Both parties are keen for the Blues to play at least one cricket match at Manuka Oval a season, and it will likely become a reality if the ACT Government foots the team's travel and accommodation bill.
ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr and Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert discussed the possibility yesterday at the launch of Canberra's new Harrison District Playing Fields.
Cricket NSW will submit a proposal to Barr's office over the coming weeks, and the minister said hosting NSW at Manuka Oval was a viable option.
''The sorts of costs are not prohibitive, I think they're manageable within the sport and event promotion and we can comfortably afford it,'' Barr said.
''You're talking tens of thousands of dollars, not much more.''
Securing a NSW state game next season would be a perfect entree to Cricket ACT's aspirations of hosting a major cricketing fixture in 2013 - Canberra's centenary year.
While a Test match is most likely outside the realms of possibility, an international one-day fixture could still be an option, or failing that the old grudge match between NSW and Victoria.
For more on this story, including Mr Barr's comments on the prospects of a Test match at Manuka, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/cricket/manuka-chance-for-blues-shield-clash/2012902.aspx