Australia will face the West Indies in its first game at the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 Cup, while host England, New Zealand and South Africa will open against qualifying nations. The draw for the 12-team tournament was announced at the Oval on Tuesday. India will launch the defense of its title against Bangladesh in Group A and is then scheduled to play Zimbabwe, whose participation in the June 5-21 tournament is under threat. Zimbabwe's eligibility to compete will be determined next Wednesday when the 13 directors on the ICC executive board discuss concerns about the country's prolonged political turmoil. England is with Pakistan and an associate team in Group B. The ICC associate countries will compete in a qualifying event in Belfast in August. New Zealand, South Africa and a second associate team are in Group D. Sri Lanka is also in Group C with Australia and West Indies. Female factor Steve Elworthy, the tournament director for next year's Twenty20 World Cup in England, has said it will be an “historic event” with women competing on the same grounds in a parallel competition. After overseeing last year's inaugural edition in his native South Africa, former international pace bowler Elworthy has been retained to oversee the 2009 event by English cricket chiefs. Next year's competition will break new ground by having the women's Twenty20 World Cup run alongside the competition with the semifinals and the final for both sexes taking place on the same ground and on the same ticket. Matches in the men's tournament will take place at Lord's, The Oval and Trent Bridge with the final at Lord's on June 21 marking the culmination of 42 matches in 15 days. International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have also moved to ensure home fans are not priced out of the event after many tickets at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean proved beyond the reach of ordinary West Indian supporters. Under-16s will be able to watch the final for as little as 10 pounds ($20) while the most expensive adult ticket is 90 pounds ($180). The 10 Test playing nations plus two associates or junior nations will be split into four groups with the top two going through to the Super Eights.
