| MUMBAI:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have officially
launched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007. The
launch marked the official countdown, showcasing the new ICC World T20 identity
in an exhibition of activations in line with the local 20 over sportainment themes.
The
13 day, 12 nation event starts at the Wanderers, Johannesburg on 11 September
2007 with the first match between hosts, South Africa and the West Indies. The
final will be held at the same venue on 24 September 2007. CSA
president Norman Arendse said, “It is indeed an honour for Cricket South
Africa to host the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, making history in doing so.
“The ICC
has shown its confidence in South Africa’s ability to host world class events
after the 2003 Cricket World Cup. “The
fact that the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup will also be held in South Africa shows
the international community’s faith in South Africa hosting major sporting
events. “It
is however sad to note that whilst the T20 was awarded to South Africa when Percy
Sonn was President of the ICC, we have since witnessed his passing with great
sadness. The ICC World T20 South Africa will be dedicated to his memory.”
The
tournament will be played in three venues around the country, the Wanderers, Johannesburg;
Kingsmead, Durban and Newlands, Cape Town. ICC
president Ray Mali said: “I am looking forward to the ICC World Twenty20
South Africa 2007 with a mix of pride and excitement. “Pride
because it is taking place in my home country of South Africa and I know we will
do a great job of hosting the event and showcasing the game in the best possible
light. “And
excitement because the event marks a first for cricket – the first time this
format of the game will have been played on a truly global scale. “I
have long been an advocate of Twenty20 cricket because during my time as President
of Cricket South Africa I saw the positive effect it had on the game – there
were packed grounds and it brought a new audience to our sport. “Now,
with the top international teams coming together at three excellent venues in
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban I hope South Africa will once again get behind
this form of the game and make this an outstanding and memorable event.”
The shorter
form of the game has caught the imagination of many cricket spectators and new
fans to the sport. ICC
CEO Malcolm Speed said, “ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 represents
one of the most exciting developments in the game of cricket within the past 30
years. “It
will bring many of the best international players from around the world together
for a short, sharp event we believe will capture the public’s imagination
both in South Africa and around the world. “The
tournament will be showcased by ESPN Star Sports and it will be a great chance
for our new broadcast partner to showcase its ability by providing innovative
and high-quality coverage. “ICC
World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 is the first of 18 ICC events spread over eight
years that will see the game taken all over the world while, at the same time,
providing players and fans alike with variety and excitement. “The
spread of events and the revenue they generate will help to continue cricket’s
growth and ensure that our strong sport continues to grow even stronger.” | 
