DUBAI, May 21: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the launch of an official ‘Fantasy League’ game for Champions Trophy 2013.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2013 is being played across England and Wales from June 6 with the final of the tournament scheduled to be held at Edgbaston on 23 June.

The game will give fans from around the globe the opportunity to pick their own dream team from the eight Champions Trophy squads and pit their wits against fellow entrants, known as managers.

Selection begins with the balance of the side you can choose to either favour more batsmen, more all-rounders or more bowlers, the would-be-manager then has to select their playing XI and allocate a captain who scores double points.

Teams can contain up to three players from one International side for the group stages (extending to six for the semi-finals and final), and furthermore only three from inside the top ten of the Reliance ICC ODI Rankings in batting, bowling or all-rounder position.

Team changes are unlimited until the start of the tournament and a manager can make up to 10 team changes during the Group Stages, reacting to injuries, form and fixture schedules.

Changes are also unlimited between the end of the Group Stages and the first semi-final and up to two further changes can then be made between the second semi-final and the final.

Captain changes are unlimited and can therefore be changed prior to every single match.

Fans can access the game from the ICC website www.icc-cricket.com and should submit their teams for the start of the event on 6 June. The ICC will be offering fantastic prizes, including signed merchandise from the tournament to the ICC Champions Trophy Fantasy Leagues Group Stage winner, Knock-Out Stage winner and the overall tournament winner.—PPI