September 29 Sunday 2002
ICC thank Sri Lanka for successful Champions Trophy

COLOMBO: The International Cricket Council on Saturday thanked Sri Lanka for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy, which is "the largest and most successful Champions Trophy tournament ever," and expressed confidence that the excellent event had showcased Sri Lanka to the world. ICC President Malcolm Gray, addressing a media conference 
on Saturday, said: "I would like to mention thanks of the ICC to the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka, who are hosting the tournament. I believe this Champions Trophy has been the most successful Champions Trophy we have held, in that it is larger, both in terms of games and commercial content. We think it's been an extraordinarily successful tournament."

The people in Sri Lanka really must get a mention, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, who have been soundly behind the tournament, Sri Lankan government which has also given us great encouragement, and the BCCSL headed by Chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya, deserve our thanks. The tournament has been successful. We're very pleased we came to Sri Lanka and we believe that it has helped Sri Lanka, both economically and in terms of 
showcasing Sri Lanka to the world."

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed added: "What we are seeing here is exceptional public support. The Sri Lankan community really is very committed to this event. We're very aware they are obviously passionate about cricket." The ICC and BCCSL worked together over a very short period of four months since the decision was taken to award the tournament to Sri Lanka. The tournament, the largest in world cricket apart from the World Cup, brought together 12 teams, including world's best known cricketers, for 15 matches over a period of 18 days at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds.