Haroon Lorgat in a press conference yesterday made it clear, that International Cricket Council is seriously considering the shifting of world cup venue from Pakistan. In the backdrop of worsening conditions in Pakistan, the ICC chief asked the 2011 World Cup organizing committee to consider the possibility of shifting venues in or outside the country. As the ICC Chief tells the media, it is ICC’s commitment for “staging a successful and world class World Cup...” that necessitates this rethinking about World Cup venues. Not only Pakistan, but all the host countries have been asked to keep alternative venues in mind to deal with emergency situations.

It was originally planned that three Asian countries---India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka would jointly host this premium event of International cricket. Of total fifteen venues, four were chosen in Pakistan. India has been assigned eight venues, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh got two and one respectively. While the semi-finals were slotted for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India bagged the hottest deal of the series---the final. However, each of the four host countries was to conduct one quarter-final each. Bangladesh was chosen for holding the inaugural ceremony on 19th February 2009. This upcoming mega cricket tournament will continue over a span of six weeks.

While the present circumstances in Pakistan forced the ICC to consider change in the venue, Lorgat also did not hide his concern over the delay in the preparation for the event which is running behind the schedule. Given the present situation of the country, Lorgat admitted that barring Sri Lanka, few countries are willing to travel to the terror-stricken country.

Exactly two years to go before the cricket playing nations start vying for the World title and the final security review is scheduled for six months prior to the commencement of the tournament. But what happens, if the situation improves over two year’s time? Lorgat was in no mood to commit anything and again made it clear that the guardian body of International Cricket will give maximum consideration to the “issues like safety, security and relation between the countries”. With huge money in stake, Lorgat emphasizes on working out “a tentative deadline for redrawing of current plans”, at the same time staying still ‘‘committed’’ to staging the event in Asia, involving the four nations.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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