ICC boss happy with T20 success by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

ICC Women's World Twenty20 2009, ICc World Twenty20 2009

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DateLine: 23rd June 2009

 

ICC president David Morgan declared England's hosting of the Twenty20 World Championship "an overwhelming success".

 

Morgan was elated over the enormity of crowd coming in for the matches, with 96% of tickets sold in the tournament making it significantly more successful commercially than the inaugural event in South Africa in 2007. He was also quite happy with the thrilling cricket which the crowds were treated to at Lord's, The Oval, Trent Bridge and Taunton.

 

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final, and Charlotte Edwards' England side lifted the women's crown ensuring some home success.

 

"For any event such as this to be successful it relies on the hard work of literally thousands of people but ultimately it will be judged by the quality of cricket that is presented to us by the players," said Morgan.

 

"And I think it's fair to say that in that regard, we have been royally treated over the past 17 days or so in England. The players brought this tournament alive with their innovation, passion, talent and commitment.

 

"They entertained us, thrilled us and occasionally even challenged our view of the game itself as they introduced new and wonderful feats of skill and athleticism that I for one had previously scarcely thought possible.

 

"Ticket sales were very encouraging, reflecting the enduring popularity of cricket despite the global economic situation. There was a 96% take-up of tickets for this event and certainly the atmosphere created by those large crowds formed part of why it was so successful.

 

"The England and Wales Cricket Board has been a great partner for the ICC in putting on this event. From the very start of this process it was clear that we were dealing with a committed group of people - led by our excellent tournament director Steve Elworthy - who were determined to put on the best possible event and they were clearly successful."

 

Morgan also said that it was an inspired idea to run the men's and women's tournaments simultaneously.

 

"One of the most encouraging things about this tournament was the link between the men's and women's games," he said.

 

"The increase in profile the women's game received from television exposure and the fact the men's and women's semi-finals and finals were played as double-headers was a great boost for the women's game and I believe will do wonders for growth in that area."