Malcolm Gray thanks South Africa

ICC President Malcolm Gray thanked South Africa in his closing speech at the presentation ceremony of yesterday's ICC Cricket World Cup final at the Wanderers.

"Forty three days ago we placed the spirit of cricket in the hands of southern Africa.

I thank you, the people of this outstanding country and enchanting continent for upholding and enhancing that spirit.

You have helped write a glorious chapter, not only in the history of our sport but also in the history of southern Africa.

Thanks to the government of South Africa, Mr Percy Sonn and his colleagues at the United Cricket Board of South Africa, Dr Ali Bacher and the Cricket World Cup Organizing Committee, and all those who have worked tirelessly to make the event possible.

Special thanks go to the many thousands of volunteers who have enlightened the tournament with their vivid purple uniforms and their even brighter smiles.

A tournament of this size would not be possible without the generous support of our many partners and suppliers. In particular the ICC is extremely grateful to LG Electronics, Pepsi, South African Airways and Hero Honda.

Nor could it be as popular around the world without the images, sounds and words of broadcasters and the media. Sony in India and Channel 9 in Australia have telecast today's game to many millions of fans following their team's progress.

But cricket is all about the players, and today we saw the very best players in the world compete honourably for the ultimate prize in our noble sport.

Many congratulations to Ricky Ponting and his team. Well done to Sourav Ganguly and his team. Thank you for entertaining us all so splendidly today and throughout the tournament.

This ICC Cricket World Cup may end this evening but the spirit and enthusiasm of everyone involved will ensure that a positive legacy will be taken to the West Indies in 2007.

The world has been watching, and southern Africa, you have delivered.

Thank you."