London, July 18: Ireland will stage the 2005 International Cricket Council ICC Trophy - one of the world’s top cricket tournaments.

The top three teams in the event qualifiy for the World Cup finals in the West Indies in 2007.

The Irish Cricket Union ICU was unanimously supported by the ICC in its quest to bring the event to Ireland.

The tournament features 12 non-Test playing countries and gives them a chance to qualify to play against the best players in the world.

The only outstanding problem is whether to stage the tournament in the north or south of the border.

The European Championships are due to start in Northern Ireland this week when 22 venues will be at the disposal of the 12 competing nations.

ICU chairman John Caldwell was delighted at the news. “It’s a terrific feather in the cap for Irish cricket,” he said.—PPI