Champions Trophy 2009 handed over to South Africa

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday officially named South Africa as the new hosts of the biennial Champions Trophy this year.

The ICC Board had met via teleconference to discuss a recommendation made by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee to discuss the venue of the Champions Trophy.

The decision was made after concerns were expressed over weather conditions in Colombo during the dates set aside for the tournament, 24 September to 5 October.

With the need to minimise risk and create certainty around the event, the meeting agreed to recommend that Cricket South Africa (CSA) be sought as the alternative host, with Wanderers and Centurion as the venues, provided agreement on the financial arrangements can be reached. Originally planned for Pakistan, the venue for the event had to be shifted due to security concerns.

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 ODI cricket.

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

“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 Board also considered expressions of interest from other potential venues. However, in order to attain immediate certainty and clarity, South Africa was identified as the preferred location on this occasion.

The teleconference also unanimously agreed that the dates for next year’s ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies would be between 30 April and 16 May.

The tournament will take place in St Lucia, Guyana, Barbados and St Kitts with the latter island staging matches in the women’s tournament that will take place at the same time.

source : jang.com.pk

Yousuf calls on sports minister

LAHORE: Test cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has called upon Federal Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani here and discussed his comeback in the team with him.

Talking to media after the meeting, Sports minister said he is trying to resolve the issue with mutual consent but it is not possible to give specific deadline for Yousuf’s comeback in the team.

Mohammad Yousuf said the law of International Cricket Council (ICC) was announced after his joining of Indian Cricket League (ICL) and he is still willing to play for Pakistan.

source : jang.com.pk

Asif may be included in team after his ban ends: Butt

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt said that fast bowler Mohammad Asif may be included in the national team and central contract.

While addressing at a press conference here on Wednesday, the chairman PCB said that Mohammad Asif may regain his place in the Pakistan cricket team after his one-year ban ends while he may also be included in central contract.

Replying to a question regarding Mohammad Yousuf, Ijaz Butt said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would decide about the fate of the ICL players but the team needs experienced player like Mohammad Yousuf. He may join the national team if he leaves the ICL.

Regarding the Senate’s standing committee for sports, he said that every question would be answered before the Senate committee but the Senate is not authorized to dictate the cricket board.