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Champions Trophy could go to Dubai
The ICC has discussed Dubai as a possible alternate venue to host the Champions Trophy in 2009.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: October 16, 2008 08:56 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Karachi:
The ICC had announced, after its Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, that the tournament would be held between September 24 and October 5 next year in only one city.
The ICC Board said it will make a final decision on the location after India's tour to Pakistan early next year.
But sources aware of discussions held in the meeting said that the members had discussed Dubai as a possible option.
"Pakistan is the first choice venue and that is why it has been decided to have the event now at one venue. This would make it easier to make security arrangements in Pakistan for the teams," the source said.
"The positive thing is that both Pakistan and India are confident the Test series will be held on schedule which should dissipate security concerns of other teams to a large extent," the source added.
However, if conditions deteriorate further in Pakistan the management of Dubai Sports city has assured their new stadium would be completed by end of this year and they can host the mega event, he said.
The Dubai Sports City also has international standard accommodations and other facilities required for conducting an international event.
The source said Sri Lanka which was chosen originally as stand-bye venue for the Champions Trophy had now been ruled out as security situation in the island nation was also not very good and some teams had reservations playing there.
The International Cricket Council has discussed Dubai as a possible alternate venue to host the Champions Trophy in 2009 if security fears yet again force the its member nations to shun the hosts Pakistan.The ICC had announced, after its Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, that the tournament would be held between September 24 and October 5 next year in only one city.
The ICC Board said it will make a final decision on the location after India's tour to Pakistan early next year.
But sources aware of discussions held in the meeting said that the members had discussed Dubai as a possible option.
"Pakistan is the first choice venue and that is why it has been decided to have the event now at one venue. This would make it easier to make security arrangements in Pakistan for the teams," the source said.
"The positive thing is that both Pakistan and India are confident the Test series will be held on schedule which should dissipate security concerns of other teams to a large extent," the source added.
However, if conditions deteriorate further in Pakistan the management of Dubai Sports city has assured their new stadium would be completed by end of this year and they can host the mega event, he said.
The Dubai Sports City also has international standard accommodations and other facilities required for conducting an international event.
The source said Sri Lanka which was chosen originally as stand-bye venue for the Champions Trophy had now been ruled out as security situation in the island nation was also not very good and some teams had reservations playing there.
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