But Launceston cricket lovers will get the chance to touch it first when the Cricket World Cup today visits Launceston, the birthplace of World Cup winners David Boon and Ricky Ponting.

The trophy will be on display at Royal Park between noon and 2.30pm, as part of the ICC’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten yesterday said it was exciting for the trophy, which Australia has won on four occasions, to be visiting the city.

‘‘It is fantastic, as there are many people in Launceston that love their cricket, which was saw at the Ricky Ponting Tribute match when 17,771 people came out to watch at Aurora,’’ he said.

‘‘I expect there will be a lot of people here who will just be really keen to see the trophy.

‘‘Especially the younger people, who are dreaming of playing cricket and being the next Ricky Ponting or James Faulkner.’’

Today’s event will allow people to get up close and personal with the trophy and get their picture taken with it.

Weather depending, there will also be inflatable cricket nets and coaching on offer for youngsters, and there will also be an opportunity to win World Cup tickets.

The Launceston stopover will follow on from one at Westbury, where the trophy will be between 8am and 10.30am at the Westbury Sports Ground.

The trophy will also visit St Helens, Bicheno, Port Arthur and Hobart, before returning to Sydney for Australia Day.

The overall tour would see it take 65 locations around Australia.

About 500 people saw the trophy in Devonport yesterday.

For more information on the tour visit www.icc-cricket.com.

HOWZAT

WHAT: The ICC’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour.

WHERE: The Westbury Sports Ground, Westbury, and Royal Park, Launceston.

WHEN: Today between 8am and 10.30am at Westbury; noon and 2.30pm in Launceston.