The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2010 will take place in New Zealand from 15 to 30 January. In a statement, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday that a total of 16 teams will participate in the tournament which is seen as an important breeding ground for the next generation of senior international cricketers. Defending champion India will open its campaign against qualifier Afghanistan at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, near Christchurch on the opening day of the competition, while Pakistan will face the West Indies in Palmerston North and South Africa will clash with Ireland in Queenstown. The 16 teams are split into four groups. India has been placed in Group A with England, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.