New format for ICC Champions Trophy 2006 in India

The Board of ICC Development (International) Ltd (IDI) today approved a new format for the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 at its meeting in Dublin.

The new format will see eight teams split into two groups of four with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals and final.

The eight teams will comprise the top six sides in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on 1 April 2006 plus the top two teams from the initial qualifying round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2006.

This initial qualifying round will take place in India in the days immediately preceeding the group stage. It will be a four-team round robin play-off for the teams ranked 7-10 in the LG ICC ODI Championship table on 1 April 2006.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said the new format would be highly competitive for all the participating teams.

"After the last ICC Champions Trophy we sought the opinions of a wide range of stakeholders and conducted a thorough review of the tournament's structure," said Mr Speed.

"The IDI Board is of the view that the new format has addressed the main flaws of the previous 12-team system and we now look forward to an exciting major international event in India."

The IDI Board confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 will take place in India subject to formal notification of tax exemption from the Indian Government and confirmation of the terms of the host agreement between the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The IDI Board reviewed a draft fixtures schedule for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. The input of the Board will be incorporated before the final tournament schedule is announced by ICC President Ehsan Mani in Trinidad on 19 July.

The IDI Board comprises the Presidents/Chairmen or designated nominees of the 10 Test-playing nations and three representatives from ICC Associate Member countries: