Members queue up to host ICC Champions Trophy 2008

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today said that it was delighted with the number of countries that had submitted formal interest in hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2008.

Five Full Members - Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies - and one Associate Member - United Arab Emirates - have put themselves forward to host the event.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said that it was very pleasing to see a high level of interest in hosting the 2008 event from ICC members.

"The level of interest in the ICC Champions Trophy 2008 has exceeded our expectations and demonstrates the potential of this event," said Mr Speed.

"It means that, as with future ICC Cricket World Cup events, there will be a competitive process to determine the host of this event.

"The range of locations of these countries also provides the ICC with the ability to schedule the event at a time of year that will optimise its potential."

After sending the ICC `letters of intent' the members now have until the end of February to produce full hosting submissions.

These submissions will be considered at the next ICC Board meeting in Dubai on 20 and 21 March where an `in principle' decision is expected to be made on the host of this event.