So, the eight-nation Champions trophy, which had become orphan, after ICC decided that it couldn't be held in Pakistan on account of security reasons, has found its moorings, and it is in the picturesque setting of South Africa where the tournament would be held.  The venues that have been chosen for hosting these matches are the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg and Centurion in Pretoria subject to conclusion of satisfactory commercial terms, as informed by a release of the ICC.

In the cricketing calendar Champions Trophy holds the second important position next to the World Cup. Earlier ICC was contemplating that the Champions Trophy be held in Sri Lanka so that the tournament could remain within the Indian sub-continent, but the freaky nature of the weather forced it to give the chance to South Africa to organize the tournament for the current year.

The tournament is going to take place during September 24-October 5. The tournament has been squeezed and now the total number of days available is 12, and there might be a situation where players could be injured. This apprehension is being expressed as the days available for resting becomes a casualty in situation where the itinerary is squeezed.

The president of ICC David Morgan is of the view that ICC has taken a judicious decision and it would for the betterment of the game. The South African authorities are now on a firm footing and have started in right earnest for the logistical arrangements so that they could make it a great spectacle of ODI cricket.

ICC was also appreciative about the interest that the Sri Lankan Board had taken in hosting the tournament after it was ruled out from Pakistan, and praised its magnanimity in allowing South Africa to host it, after the weather factor became the inhibiting part in holding the tournament in the island nation. South Africa by its initiative has been able to save the game, the feeling that the ICC authorities are having.

South Africa jointly hosted the 2003 one-day World Cup with Zimbabwe and Kenya and the World Twenty20 in 2007. The ICC board confirmed the dates for next year's World Twenty20 in the West Indies from Apr. 30 to May. 16. Matches will be staged in St Lucia, Barbados and St Kitts, which will simultaneously stage the women's tournament.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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