South Africa hosts Champions Trophy

The Wanderers is one of two venues which will be used for the rescheduled 2009 Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Countil has confirmed that the Champions Trophy will be held in South Africa in September and October.

The board ratified a recommendation made by the ICC chief executives’ committee, that South Africa should host the event, after concerns about the weather in Sri Lanka.

The Champions Trophy, due to be held in Pakistan in October 2008, was initially postponed by a further 12 months, but ICC members made clear their uncertainty about security in Pakistan, prompting the decision to move the tournament elsewhere.

The venues earmarked for the tournament are the Wanderers, in Johannesburg, and SuperSport Park, in Centurion, providing financial arrangements can be reached.

The competition will now take place between September 24 and October 5.

ICC president David Morgan said: “I think the board has made a sensible decision that will give the event every chance of success.

“We now have clarity on the subject and we can make firm plans for what is going to be a great spectacle of one-day cricket.

“With Wanderers and Centurion, Cricket South Africa can provide two world-class venues in what is effectively one location.

“As we know from the ICC World Twenty20 2007, weather conditions in the area around Johannesburg in September and October are stable and ideal for cricket.

St Kitts' Warner Park ground is set for both men's and women's World Twenty20 cricket in 2010

“I would like to thank Sri Lanka Cricket for its commitment to offer an alternative to Pakistan.

“And also, I want to acknowledge its willingness to step aside in this matter. I’d also like to thank CSA for putting its hand up and offering to host this event.”

The ICC also confirmed that several members offered to host the rescheduled 50-over tournament.

Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said: “In particular, we looked at an impressive submission from the United Arab Emirates.

“Although not successful on this occasion, I have no doubt Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be the scene for top-level international cricket in the future and I certainly would not rule out the possibility of an ICC event being hosted there at some stage.”

CSA chief executive Gerald Majola added: “We thank the ICC for this invitation, and for showing faith in CSA’s ability to host a world-class event to the ICC’s requirements.

“We have the infrastructures and the expertise from recently hosting two ICC world championships to stage a successful tournament at short notice.”

The ICC teleconference also agreed that next year’s World Twenty20, held in the West Indies, would take place between April 30 and May 16.

Matches will be held in St Lucia, Guyana, Barbados and St Kitts. Warner Park will simultaneously stage matches in the women’s tournament.