News

Sri Lanka head running for ICC events

Sri Lanka is being targeted by the ICC as the country to host their first-ever Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and the Champions Trophy in 2008

Sa'adi Thawfeeq
06-Mar-2006


Ehsan Mani has been impressed by Sri Lanka's hosting of previous events © Getty Images
Sri Lanka is being targeted by the ICC as the country to host their first-ever Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and the Champions Trophy in 2008. This heartening news comes in the wake of Sri Lanka successfully hosting the Under-19 World Cup last month.
Sri Lanka Cricket sources said that the ICC has unofficially indicated to them that they are keen to offer Sri Lanka the opportunity to host two of its tournaments. They were pleased with the organisational structure, the free tax concessions, ground and media facilities, and the infrastructure after the 2004 tsunami during the U-19 tournament.
Bangladesh and South Africa are also vying to host the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup, while a joint Australia-New Zealand bid and South Africa are the other countries in the running for the 2008 Champions Trophy.
The ICC president, Ehsan Mani, hinted at the prospect of Sri Lanka becoming a venue for future ICC events at the closing dinner of the U-19 World Cup in Colombo last month.
In his speech Mani said: "The people of Sri Lanka can be proud of what we have witnessed over the past two weeks. This tournament has shown so many things that are good about this country - most notably warmth of friendship, a generosity of spirit and a passion for cricket.
"It is these factors, among others that contributed to the ICC's decision to hold this tournament in Sri Lanka. I am delighted that this tournament like the ones before it has been an outstanding success."
Sri Lanka has in the past six years hosted two other ICC events, the U-19 World Cup in 2000 and the Champions Trophy in 2002. Sri Lanka is also in the running to be co-hosts of the 2011 World Cup with Bangladesh and UAE.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's interim committee chairman, Jayantha Dharmadasa, is due to leave for Dubai on March 17 to attend the ICC executive meeting, which will be held from March 16-21. The chief executive, Duleep Mendis, is also expected to attend.