Lorgat defends WC move from Pakistan

Cricket's worldwide governing body hit back Tuesday at criticism of its decision to relocate World Cup 2011 matches from Pakistan over security fears.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the decision was made unanimously at the organisation's board meeting last month.

The decision was criticised by former ICC president Ehsan Mani, who termed it as "ill conceived and a hasty decision which was not on the agenda of the (last month's) Board meeting".

"It's unfortunate that Mr Mani has chosen to make a public statement without full knowledge at his disposal.

"This is not correct that it was not on board meeting's agenda," Lorgat told reporters.

The ICC had cast serious doubts over Pakistan's chances of hosting the World Cup matches following March 3 attacks by armed militants on the Sri Lankan team bus, which left seven players and their assistant coach injured and eight policemen dead in Lahore.

The World Cup will now be hosted in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Under the new allocation India will host 29 matches including a semi-final and the final, with Sri Lanka hosting 12 and Bangladesh eight.

Lorgat said it was unfortunate that Pakistan will not be part of the World Cup hosts.

"There was a long debate about it and it was a unanimous decision. We took the decision after involvement of all the member boards.

"It is unfortunate that Pakistan would not be part of the World Cup 2011 hosts but we took the decision as a lot will base upon the success of the World Cup," said Lorgat, who took over last year. DUBAI, Wednesday (AFP)