Women's World T20 trophy tours Perth

The ICC Women's World T20 trophy has arrived in Perth, ahead of the tournament which commences next month.

The WACA Ground will host five matches over three days in late February as part of the event, marking the first time Australia has hosted a world T20 tournament.

ICC World T20 CEO of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Nick Hockley is confident of a staging a strong tournament.

"We can feel the excitement and enthusiasm starting to build, right around the country and across the cricket community. " Hockley told Sports Drive on Thursday.

"It's testament to the brilliant cricket we are seeing around the world, particularly here in the WBBL. Australia are world number one and defending champions, so there is lots of expectations and it's very close now."

The tournament begins February 21st, featuring twelve teams including Australia, England, India, West Indies, New Zealand and Pakistan, as well as minnow nation Thailand and two soon to be known qualifiers.

The WACA will host Australia and Sri Lanka on February 24th, as part of the five matches played at the venue that will feature nine of the nations from the tournament.

Hockley, who was also part of the local organising committee for the 2015 50 Over Men's Cricket World Cup, hoped for big crowds over the three days of cricket in Perth.

"It's a World Cup festival coming to Perth for an action packed three days, that's what exciting about it."

"It's non-stop and it's going to have a real festival feel to it that everyone can get involved in."

The trophy will visit the WACA, Optus Stadium and Rottnest Island amongst other venues including the Australia Day festival on the South Perth foreshore, before continuing it's travels around the country ahead of the opening match of the tournament between Australia and India at the Sydney Showgrounds on February 21st.

The final will be held on March 8th, which is International Women's Day, with hopes of a world record crowd for the match.

The men's World T20 will be held in Australia later this year, commencing October 18th.

IMAGE: ICC/WACA website.