The opening match between South Africa and Sri Lanka will be played at Supersport Park on Tuesday September 22.

The top eight cricket-playing countries will battle it out over two weeks to be crowned the ICC Champions 2009, with the winners banking $2-million (about R16-million).

The runners-up will receive $1-million, the losing semi-finalists will take home $400 000 and the teams finishing third in each group will win $100 000.

Player update:
England:
All-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been withdrawn from England’s squad for the One-day series against Australia and the ICC Champions Trophy, as he’s due to undergo surgery on his injured right knee.
Kevin Pietersen is also absent from the English team, and has undergone surgery of his Achilles and is not expected to be fit in time.

Australia:
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin’s participation in the Champions Trophy has been cast in doubt after it was announced he would undergo surgery for a broken finger later this week.


Source: SA Cricket Blog