ICC board endorses South Africa to host Champions Trophy

The ICC board has endorsed a recommendation by its Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) to hold this year's Champions Trophy in South Africa. The ICC said that the event, which runs from September 24-October 5, would be held in Johannesburg and Centurion.

However, the ICC admitted that Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been sought as the alternative host, with the Wanderers and SuperSport Park as the venues, provided an agreement on the financial arrangements can be reached. CSA will now have to confirm whether it accepts the event's revenue model.

The ICC president David Morgan described the move as a "sensible decision" and thanked the boards of Sri Lanka and South Africa for their commitment. "I think the board has made a sensible decision that will give the event every chance of success," he said. "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.

"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.

"With Wanderers and Centurion, CSA 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," said Morgan.

The hosting rights will remain with Pakistan, ensuring a significant windfall for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "The decision of giving the Champions Trophy to South Africa hasn't changed the picture," the PCB's chief operating officer Salim Altaf told reporters in Lahore. "If the ICC gives South Africa financial assistance, it would still have no impact on the PCB's share, which is $2.75 million."

The CEC had expressed concern over the tournament being held in Sri Lanka and strongly suggested it be held in South Africa following concerns over weather conditions in the island nation during that period.

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