WI grouped with SA, Bangladesh

LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) yesterday launched the ICC Champions Trophy 2004. The event is one of the two “majors” in international cricket and will take place at three venues in England from September 10-25. ICC President Ehsan Mani expressed his delight that the world’s best cricketers would be gathering in England in September.  “It is the only time outside the ICC Cricket World Cup when all of the top teams assemble in one country,” explained Mani. The West Indies will contest Pool “B” — alongside South Africa and Bangladesh — in the two-week championship, while current World Champions Australia tackle New Zealand and the USA in Pool “A”.

Pool “C” has India, Pakistan and Kenya, and Pool “D” comprises hosts England, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. All matches will have scheduled reserve days and, unlike two years ago, matches will be continued the following day rather than replayed in the event of showers or bad light. ECB Chairman David Morgan said that the ECB was looking forward to welcoming the world’s best players to England.  “At ECB we are confident that the tournament will provide a spectacular climax to an exciting and invigorating summer of international cricket in England and Wales,” said Morgan. “What a feast for supporters of the game here — 15 matches in 15 days with the best players in the world gracing three of our international venues — all who are interested in cricket will be excited by that prospect.”

The total tournament prize fund is second only to that offered at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.  This is the fourth time the ICC has staged the event.  It began as the ICC Knockout in Bangladesh in 1998 with South Africa beating the West Indies in the final. Two years later, New Zealand defeated India in Kenya.  In 2002 the name was changed to the ICC Champions Trophy to reflect a new format.  After a thrilling semi-final between India and South Africa, unseasonal rains prevented the completion of the much-anticipated final between India and the hosts Sri Lanka.  Edgbaston, The Oval and The Rose Bowl will each host five matches during the 2004 tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy 2004 is part of the ICC’s long-term commercial partnership with the Global Cricket Corporation.  The Global Partners for the event are LG Electronics, Pepsi, Hutchison and Hero Honda. (CMC)