Pakistan ditched as 2011 World Cup host
Pakistan has been stripped of hosting rights for the 2011 World Cup
because of the 'uncertain security situation' in the country, the
International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday.
"It is a regrettable decision (but) our number one priority is to
create certainty and...deliver a safe, secure and successful event," ICC
president David Morgan told reporters after a meeting of the executive
board in Dubai.
"The uncertainty created by events in Pakistan created a huge
question mark over our ability to do just that."
At least seven Pakistanis were killed and six Sri Lanka players were
injured during an armed attack on their team bus as they travelled to a
test match in Lahore last month.
"It is extremely regrettable that the board has had to take this
decision given the passion the people of Pakistan have for the game of
cricket and for the ICC Cricket World Cup," Morgan said. "It is highly
unlikely that we will have the security clearance between now and the
start date in 2011," said Morgan when asked if Pakistan would host
international tournaments in the near future.
Pakistan were due to co-host the event with India, Bangladesh and Sri
Lanka and the ICC said they would press ahead with the matches in those
countries.
The ICC last year postponed the Champions Trophy, the second most
important one-day event, due to security concerns in Pakistan and then
shifted it to South Africa to be held later this year. DUBAI, Reuters |