Pakistan dreams of World Cup win

Pakistan cricket manager Intikhab Alam said Thursday he was confident his players can win the World Cup next year to make up for the country's loss of hosting rights.

"Unfortunately we were deprived of hosting World Cup matches but I'm confident my players have the ability to win the trophy," Alam said at a ceremony unveiling the trophy to be awarded in 2011.

Pakistan was one of the four original hosts of the 10th World Cup, but an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last year forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to strip them of hosting rights. The attack, which killed eight people and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach, led to the suspension of all international cricket in Pakistan as teams refused to tour over security fears.

India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will now host the event from February 19 to April 2 next year.

Alam, also a former captain, praised the ICC and sponsors Pepsi for arranging for the trophy to be displayed in Pakistan.

"It was a great gesture on the part of the ICC and sponsors to arrange a trophy tour to Pakistan... which will raise interest," said Alam. Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Taufiq Umer were among the players who attended the ceremony. Alam said Pakistan was on track to win. "I am happy with the progress of the team and hopefully we will do our best to win the trophy," said Alam, who was a coach-cum-manager in 1992 when Pakistan won its only World Cup title.

Pakistan, placed in Group A, will play their first round matches in Sri Lanka. They open their campaign against Kenya at Hambantota on February 23. LAHORE, Pakistan, AFP