ICC Europe has today announced the tournament schedule for 2013 with four exciting events this summer bringing competing nations together from across Europe.

The ICC European Division 1 Championship (T20) will be the flagship event this summer taking place in Sussex, England between 8 and 14 July. The ICC European U19 Division 1 WCQ will take place between 2 and 8 August in The Netherlands and ICC European U15 Division 1 Championship between 13 and 18 August at Rugby School in England. The European U17 Challenge Series is back again in 2013 with three teams participating Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands over various dates and venues across the summer.

ICC European Division 1 is brought to the shores of England to Sussex where 12 European teams will battle it out to grab one of two qualification spots to play in the ICC Global World Twenty20 Qualifier in UAE in November 2013. It is wonderful opportunity to bring European cricket to England and show the great development of the sport across the continent. Ex-Sussex CCC Chief Executive, Dave Brooks, who will be supporting the event as an ICC volunteer said, "The County is delighted to host ICC European Division 1. With a route to the ICC World T20 Qualifier in UAE in 2013, we can offer great facilities and hopefully great weather. I am sure the floodlit final at the County Ground, Hove will offer a wonderful finale for the teams, and cricket supporters in Sussex to enjoy," said Brooks.

Six teams will be battling it out in the ICC European U19 Division 1 WCQ in the Netherlands hoping to win and gain qualification to compete in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2014. This will be an enthralling battle to see who succeeds and is exciting opportunity for players to gain experience from a global tournament. Rugby School is hosting the ICC European U15 Division 1 tournament with five teams heading to the Midlands for the junior tournament.

ICC Regional Development Manager, Nick Pink is excited by the tournament schedule, "We are looking forward to our summer tournament programme this year, and ICC Europe is excited in exploring new partnerships with Sussex CCC and Rugby School and would like to thank them for hosting two European tournaments. Thanks must also go to the Netherlands who will be hosting the ICC European U19 WCQ with a place in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup up for grabs. Finally, the Challenge Series returns across the summer at various venues as the excitement of the championship gathers pace," said Pink.