Cricket: South Africa to host 2009 ICC Champions Trophy

March 16, 2009 South Africa will be the host for the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy for cricket. The tournament, originally planned for 2008 in Pakistan, was postponed to 2009 owing to security issues.

Sri Lanka was proposed as an alternative venue, but due to weather concerns in Sri Lanka during the month of October, the tournament has now been moved to South Africa. This was confirmed by an ICC Board teleconference.

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." He also thanked the Sri Lankan Board for their commitment.

The tournament features eight national test cricket teams competing in One Day Internationals. The games will be conducted in Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg and SuperSport Park, Pretoria. It will be held from September 24 to October 5, 2009 in these two venues.