| MUMBAI:
The International Cricket Council has proposed South Africa as the new host to
the Champions Trophy, which is to be played from 24 September to 5 October this
year. The
tourney was slated for a September schedule last year with Pakistan as the host.
However, on grounds of security, the game was postponed to September this year
recommending Sri Lanka as the new host country. But,
since rain is likely to pour during the September-October period in Sri Lanka,
the ICC is in favour of South Africa as the alternate option for the game. The
finalization of venue is, however, subject to financial approval. ICC
chief executive Haroon Lorgat said, "The ICC chief executives' committee
felt that it would be too great a risk to stage the tournament in Colombo at a
time of year when there was a distinct possibility of rain.This was especially
relevant given the length of this year's ICC Champions Trophy has been reduced
to 12 days." "The
weather pattern in the area around Johannesburg in September and October is stable
and ideal for cricket. ICC, therefore, agreed it would be prudent to look to hold
the tournament in South Africa, subject to agreement over financial arrangements,"
Lorgat added. Also
Read: Pakistan
not to host Champions Trophy: ICC | 
