Twenty20 ready for blast off

Ray Mali © Getty Images

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With just one day to go before the start of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa, ICC President Ray Mali expressed his excitement at the prospect of the world’s top cricketing nations going head to head in the shortest form of the game.

Speaking on the eve of the first match of the tournament, which will see hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Mali said it promised to a wonderful event.

“After months of planning, I am looking forward to things finally kicking off. This is a new format of the game but one which has been embraced wholeheartedly in the domestic scene, especially here in South Africa.

“It is fast and furious with plenty of action, and judging by the overwhelming crowd response we have had for the warm-up games over the last few days, the atmosphere at all three grounds is bound to be fantastic.

“The fans here love this form of the game for its entertainment value but also for the quality of cricket that is on display and the ICC World Twenty20 will give them a chance to witness the top cricketers in the world going all out in what is sure to be a hotly contested tournament,” he added.

Mali also stressed the importance that the ICC places on the Spirit of Cricket.

“We are confident that the players have embraced the concept of the Spirit of Cricket and that all the games in this wonderful tournament will be played in the very best spirit by these true sportsmen. It is something I know most players feel strongly about,” he said.

“Now let’s get the show on the road and enjoy two weeks of sizzling action.”