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England to play Champions Trophy opener
February 09, 2004 20:39 IST
Hosts England have been drawn against Zimbabwe in the opening match of this year's Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.
The two-week limited-overs tournament in September consists of the 10 Test-playing teams, as well as Kenya and one qualifier yet to be decided.
England refused to play Zimbabwe in Harare during the World Cup last year, citing security concerns. The England players under then captain Nasser Hussain also suggested they had moral concerns.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is holding discussions over whether to boycott a tour to Zimbabwe later this year. The board says it may consider moral issues in making its decision.
The Champions Trophy is being hosted at Edgbaston, The Oval and at Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground in Southampton. The final is scheduled for September 25 at The Oval.
Pools:
Pool A - Australia, New Zealand, qualifier
Pool B - South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh
Pool C - Pakistan, India, Kenya
Pool D - Sri Lanka, England, Zimbabwe
Schedule:
Sep 10 - England v Zimbabwe - Edgbaston
Sep 10 - New Zealand v qualifier - The Oval
Sep 11 - India v Kenya - Rosebowl
Sep 12 - South Africa v Bangladesh - Edgbaston
Sep 13 - Australia v qualifier - Rosebowl
Sep 14 - Pakistan v Kenya - Edgbaston
Sep 14 - Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe - The Oval
Sep 15 - West Indies v Bangladesh - Rosebowl
Sep 16 - Australia v New Zealand - The Oval
Sep 17 - Sri Lanka v England - Rosebowl
Sep 18 - South Africa v West Indies - The Oval
Sep 19 - India v Pakistan - Edgbaston
Sep 21 - Semi-final - Rosebowl
Sep 25 - Final - The Oval