With just a day to go before the start of the inaugural International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 World Championship, President Ray Mali expressed his excitement at the prospect of the world’s top cricketing nations going head-to-head in the shortest form of the game.
Speaking on the eve of the first match of the tournament, which will see hosts South Africa taking on the West Indies at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Mali said it promised to a wonderful event.
”After months of planning, I am looking forward to things finally kicking off. This is a new format of the game, but one which has been embraced wholeheartedly in the domestic scene, especially here in South Africa.
”It is fast and furious with plenty of action, and judging by the overwhelming crowd response we have had for the warm-up games over the last few days, the atmosphere at all three grounds is bound to be fantastic.
”The fans here love this form of the game for its entertainment value, but also for the quality of cricket that is on display and the ICC World Twenty20 will give them a chance to witness the top cricketers in the world going all out in what is sure to be a hotly contested tournament,” he added.
”We are confident that the players have embraced the concept of the spirit of cricket and that all the games in this wonderful tournament will be played in the very best spirit by these true sportsmen. It is something I know most players feel strongly about,” he said.
”Also, this tournament will be the first of many together with our new broadcast partners ESPN Star Sports, who are now on board and we are looking forward to excellent coverage which will be beamed into homes in 105 countries across the globe for those who could not make it to the grounds in South Africa.
”Now let’s get the show on the road and enjoy two weeks of sizzling action.”
Matches for the two-week tournament will be played in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. – Sapa