Dubai, Nov.19 The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2010 (U19 CWC) will be launched in Dunedin, New Zealand on Monday (November 23).

The function will take place at University Oval, Dunedin, from 7 p.m. (New Zealand time).

The event is being held in advance of the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan, which begins the following morning in Dunedin.

In attendance will be ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, New Zealand Cricket President Denis Currie, and U-19 CWC tournament director Tim Murdoch, all of whom will be available to answer questions at a media conference that will take place after the official launch.

Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor, himself a former captain of the New Zealand under-19 team and an U-19 CWC participant, will also be in attendance and available to speak to news media.

This 16-team tournament, which is seen as an important breeding ground for the next generation of senior international cricketers, will take place in New Zealand from January 15 to 30.

Defending champion India will open its campaign against qualifier Afghanistan in front of the ESPN Star Sports (ESS) cameras at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, near Christchurch on the opening day of the competition with Pakistan facing the West Indies in Palmerston North and 2008 beaten finalist South Africa taking on Ireland in Queenstown.

The teams are split into four groups with Groups A and C being based in and around Christchurch, Group B teams playing their matches in Queenstown and Group D games taking place in Napier and Palmerston North.

In addition to the 10 full members, there are six associate and affiliate teams taking part, having won through their respective regional qualifying tournaments as well as the global qualifier, which was held in Canada in September.

Worldwide broadcast coverage will carry many of the major matches to a global audience of millions. (ANI)