Ranatunga: ICC Champions Trophy is stepping-stone for 2011 World Cup

Arjuna Ranatunga has congratulated the International Cricket Council for their decision to host the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka, hoping that it will provide a stepping-stone to the eventual hosting of a World Cup.

But Ranatunga, who has already announced his ambitions to be president of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), also warned that the tournament's successful management will depend on the quality of the administration running the cricket board.

"All lovers of cricket in Sri Lanka will be elated by the decision of the ICC.which should be view as recognition of the standards set by our cricketers who have contributed to placing Sri Lanka on the world cricket map."

He hopes that the event will "inspire future generations of cricketers to maintain and surpass these high standards" as well as paving the way for the future hosting of the World Cup, possibly in 2011.

"By successfully carrying out this competition, Sri Lanka can show the cricketing world that it can conduct the World Cup at not so distant a date in the future, probably in 2011," he said.

But he has concerns: "It's necessary that people of dedication and commitment should be at the helm of affairs of Sri Lankan cricket if this competition is to be held successfully, and not by adventurers or opportunists, whose only concern is their own benefit."