SA may host Champions trophy

The International Cricket Council has put South Africa on standby as a possible Champions Trophy venue, but insists that Pakistan remains its first choice as hosts, an ICC source said on Friday.

The year's biggest one-day tournament featuring the top eight Test nations - Australia, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies - is due to be held in Pakistan from September 11-28.

But touring Pakistan has been a security concern for several foreign teams, especially Australia which postponed its March-April visit this year after a series of suicide bomb blasts.

With Sri Lanka, the alternate venue, in the midst of heavy fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels, the ICC has included South Africa as possible hosts.

"South Africa could hold the Champions Trophy in case Pakistan or Sri Lanka can't," the ICC source said.

"But it must be stressed that Pakistan remains our first choice and a lot of work has already been done to ensure the tournament is held there."

Courtesy: news24.com

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