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COLOMBO, Nov 28: Sri Lanka will host the Youth World Cup in 2006, the ICC confirmed on Monday. ICC president Eshan Mani launched preparations for the tournament, hailing Sri Lanka’s eagerness to host the event just one year after the Asian tsunami killed over 30,000 and displaced one million people in the island.
“In December 2004, Sri Lanka was devastated by a terrible tragedy, yet 11 months later the country is preparing to welcome 15 overseas teams full of the best young cricketers in the world,” Mani said.
“It shows Sri Lanka is moving forward after the massive problem that has confronted the country and this ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup should prove the perfect stage to once again highlight all that is good about the island.”
The 16-nation tournament involving the 10-Test playing countries plus Uganda, United States, Scotland, Namibia, Ireland and Nepal will be played from Feb 5 to 19.
The U-19 World Cup has previously been held in Australia (1988), South Africa (1998), Sri Lanka (2000), New Zealand (2002) and Bangladesh (2004).
Previous winners are Australia (1988 and 2002), England (1998), India (2000) and Pakistan (2004).
Preliminary groups:
Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Uganda.
Group B: West Indies, South Africa, Australia, USA.
Group C: India, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Namibia.
Group D: England, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Nepal.—Agencies
