South Africa will host the Champions Trophy 2009 in Johannesburg and Centurion from September 22 to October 5.
The Champions Trophy was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but it was postponed to 2009 because of problems regarding security. In February 2009, the ICC removed the tournament from Pakistan because of safety concerns and said that Sri Lanka, which was the reserve venue, would be the host. However, in March, the ICC's chief executives committee recommended that the Champions Trophy be shifted to South Africa following concerns over weather conditions in Sri Lanka in September.
The prize money for the Champions Trophy has increased nearly four times, with US$4 million on offer for the tournament.
The format has also been revamped, with only eight instead of ten teams participating. Unlike in 2006, when the tournament lasted nearly a month, there will be no qualifying round this time. Centurion and Wanderers will host all 15 games between them.
The teams have been divided into two groups of four each and the top two from each will qualify for the semi-finals.
Keep up to date with all the news ahead of the competition at CricketPulse.com.
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