ECB recommends Lord's as host venue for 2009 ICC World Twenty20 final

The England and Wales Cricket Board has recommended legendary stadium Lord's in London as the venue for next year's ICC World Twenty20 event.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the ECB put forward The Oval as its preferred venue for a semifinal, warmup, group and Super Eight games.

''I am delighted that Lord's, a world-class venue with a famous history and tradition, has agreed to be recommended hosts,'' tournament director and former South African fast bowler Steve Elworthy was quoted as saying.

More than 1.4 billion people were reported to have watched the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 last year, when India beat Pakistan in the final.

''Now, I am looking forward to the challenge of raising the standard of Twenty20 cricket even higher,'' Elworthy said. ''With Lord's as a nominated venue and The Oval as a preferred bidder, as well as a third world-class ground yet to be chosen, we have already got off to a great start.''