ICC Thrilled With 20-20 World Cup Success – Next Edition To Be Held In England In 2009

The International Cricket Council is planning to host the next Twenty20 World Cup in 2009 in England as the game’s parent body is more than satisfied by the tremendous success the inaugural edition received in South Africa, with unfancied India ruling the roost.

There were calls for certain quarters to drop the Champions Trophy, but the ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed made it amply clear that the biennial event will be held in 2008 and 2010.

“We have a problem of fitting Twenty20 into the international calendar,” Speed informed BBC.

“Everyone is very pleased with the success of the [Twenty20] tournament.

“We thought it would be well received in South Africa, and the reception by the public, the media and the players has exceeded our expectations.

“I don’t agree with much of the criticism about the last two World Cups, although some of it is valid.

“But in any event we’re very pleased that we’ve had a very successful event,” Speed added.