Sydney - Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW on Friday supported NSW Premier Mike Baird’s announcement of a State Memorial Service for Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away on Thursday aged 25.
VIDEO: Special tribute to Phillip Hughes
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said in support of the decision: “We would like to thank the Premier for his decision to grant a State Memorial Service for Phillip, and for putting the Hughes family’s views first in offering such a service to the family.
"As the Premier outlined, it will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground and as such will be an opportunity for the entire community to pay tribute to a much-loved Australian.
"The SCG is a place that Phillip cherished so dearly, and it is a ground where Phillip provided cricket fans from around the world with so much joy,” Sutherland concluded.
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Andrew Jones joined Sutherland in his support.
“It’s important for the community to be able to come together as one to remember Phillip, and we thank the Premier for continuing his staunch support of cricket in NSW and giving us the ability to host this service here in Sydney.
Phillip made his first class debut at the SCG and we believe this is a fitting way to celebrate his life,” Jones said.
A date for the service and other details will be advised in due course.