JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28: Former South African paceman Steve Elworthy has been chosen as the tournament director for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, to be held in England and Wales.

Elworthy, who managed the inaugural World Twenty20 held in South Africa in September, will join the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in January 2008.

“The 2007 event was a festival of world-class cricket which captured the imagination of the world,” Elworthy stated, adding, “My goal is to ensure that the 2009 event is even more successful.”

Chief Executive of the ECB David Collier welcomed Elworthy on board, saying:

“His experience of managing an ICC World Twenty20 tournament coupled with his international playing experience, commercial background and knowledge of our grounds in the UK provide the all-round skills required to run a world-class event.

He is the ideal candidate to lead the event in England and Wales in 2009.”—Agencies