ICC Trophy Ireland launched

International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed has officially launched the ICC Trophy Ireland 2005.

The trophy, which is celebrating its silver jubilee, will involve 12 countries and offer a route for five to qualify for the World Cup in 2007 in the West Indies.

The trophy, which is being held for the eighth time, will see 42 matches held at 25 venues across northern and southern Ireland, starting in Belfast on 1 July and concluding with the final at Clontarf, Dublin on 13 July.