Khaleej Times to sponsor Sharjah tri-series

The Champions Trophy 2001, which will be keenly contested between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Zimbabwe has found a new sponsor. Speaking to CricInfo, Zahid Noorani, Chief Executive Officer of the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) confirmed that Khaleej Times will be sponsoring the tournament.

Sri Lanka, who last won at Sharjah will be the defending champions when the Khaleej Times Trophy 2001 begins on October 26. The opening match of the series features Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union just recently announced that Heath Streak had resigned as captain and appointed Brian Murphy as the new captain.

Although some teams have been wary of touring Asia in the wake of the recent turmoil in Afghanistan, the organisers of the tournament are confident that there is no cause for concern. The Khaleej Times reports that security has been beefed up considerably for the event and that there would be a new 'code of ethics.' The same report also quotes Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore as saying that the Lankans were not worried and were keen to do well at the venue.