The survey conducted by Cricket South Africa (CSA) found that 96 percent of the fans who took part in the exercise believe 2008 was the most successful year for the South African cricket.

The survey drew nearly 550 responses, Pakistan’s Online news agency said.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said the online fan survey demonstrated the kind of support cricket enjoyed among the people in South Africa.

“This support is graphically illustrated in the most positive response to the online fan survey conducted on CSA’s website,” he said.

“We will study the results to ensure that we keep in touch with the fans. Their support was a critical factor in taking the Proteas to the world’s top ODI spot and second in the Test rankings, and achieving the best results in South African cricket history over the 2008-09 season,” he said.

From May last year to April 2009, the Proteas achieved unparalleled success in the history of South African cricket, including the Test series triumph in England and Australia, Majola said.

The final report on the fan survey will be released in the next few weeks, he added.

CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said in a statement that they would consider the option once they receive an official message from the ICC expected next week.

“We have asked the ICC to provide us with a financial model and our board will discuss the matter once we have received this model and an official ICC invitation,” he said.

“We would also have to follow the Government protocols for hosting a major international event. If the finances and protocols are right and our board agrees to accept the invitation, then we have the infrastructures and the expertise from recently hosting two ICC world championships to stage a successful tournament at short notice.

“It is a 12-day tournament that will require two venues which is well within our capabilities.”

The ICC on Wednesday said Sri Lanka had agreed to step aside because there could be no guarantee of favourable weather at that time of the year.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 5.

“This is pure media speculation and does not emanate from Cricket South Africa,” said CEO, Gerald Majola following reports that separate captains would be in the country’s interest.

The speculation came to the fore after Johan Botha guided South Africa to the ODI series victory against Australia in the absence of the injured Smith, who led the team to the Test series triumph Down Under.

“Cricket South Africa’s position is straight forward and has not changed. The Board appoints its captains and vice-captains at the start of every season and those individuals remain in charge for the duration of that season unless they retire, resign or become unavailable for some other reason such as a long-term injury.

“This has clearly not happened in this case and CSA has full confidence in its leadership group who did a brilliant job in all formats of the game during the recent tour of Australia. The current media speculation is unfounded and has no factual basis,” said Majola.

Australia will visit South Africa for three Tests, two Twenty20 matches and five One-dayers and at stake is the number elite position in Test rankings.