Trophy could move again
03/03/2009 7:19 AM
The International Cricket Council could move the Champions Trophy away from Sri Lanka because of concerns the wet season will disrupt the tournament.
The 50-over tournament was due to be held in Pakistan last September but was postponed due to security fears.
At a board meeting in Perth in January, the ICC decided to shift the tournament to Sri Lanka and play it this coming October.
But now concerns over the Sri Lankan climate could pose a fresh problem.
"It is true some doubts have been raised as far as Sri Lanka is concerned mainly from the weather perspective," said ICC general manager Dave Richardson.
"It usually rains in Sri Lanka during that time of the year and questions have been raised whether it's wise to hold the tournament there."
"If it's not Sri Lanka, the ICC have decided we want to hold the tournament over 12 days, which means that we have to have two venues in virtually the same city."
Sri Lanka had proposed Dambulla as a single venue for the tournament.
"Certainly there can't be any question of international travel being involved," Richardson said.
"That itself narrows the options down considerably to perhaps Perth, Johannesburg, Dubai or Abu Dhabi."
"There are a couple of options which need to be considered and (those venues) would be in the frame when the decision is made."
Richardson said a decision would be made at the ICC board meeting in Dubai next month.