ICC unveils Champions Trophy 2009

New Delhi, Sep 17 (ANI): Trophy of the Champions Trophy 2009 that kick starts on September 22 in South Africa was unveiled in national capital New Delhi on Thursday.

Veteran cricketers Wasim Akram and Sanjay Manjrekar along with ace commentator Harsha Bhogle unveiled the official gold and silver trophy.

Harsha spoke about how Twenty20 cricket could never match the drama and thrills that the 50 over format has to offer.

ICC General Manager Campbell Jamieson, representing the sports' governing body, cleared the doubts over the survival of the 50 over format.

"We are certainly making all efforts to make this event very successful obviously eight teams are the best in the world. The facilities are certainly world class in Wanderers and Centurion," said Campbell Jamieson.

"The world class venues we are certainly trying to look after the players, the officials and make the broadcast to the people through the world to enjoy the greatest cricket," said Campbell Jamieson.

Meanwhile, Akram said that the one-day tracks would be good for the batsmen from our part of the world that is from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"Early season, new wicket and Campbell just told me that it hasn't rained in South Africa form last 2-3 months so outfield will be lightening fast for sure and Wanderers as we all know the wicket flies a bit so I thought it will be good test for batsmen from out part of the world to do well. Pretoria is mostly flat track so in general I think they are good one-day tracks," said Akram.

The International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2009 concludes on October 5. ICC Knockout tournament began in 1988 and South Africa won the trophy in the inaugural year. (ANI)