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New World Cup dates for India
28 Apr 2009The majority of 2011 World Cup matches which were due to be held in Pakistan will be switched to India.
Pakistan, as co-hosts with Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, was set to stage 14 matches. However, the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore last month led to the International Cricket Council deciding to strip Pakistan of its hosting rights because of safety fears arising from an "uncertain political situation" there.
At a World Cup organising committee meeting in Mumbai today a new schedule was drawn up with India, who will host the final, given 29 matches, including a semi-final which had been planned for Pakistan. Sri Lanka will host 12 matches including a semi-final and Bangladesh eight matches and the opening ceremony. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We have no doubt that we will be able to put together security plans that would successfully help host the World Cup in 2011. "
Lorgat also brushed aside Pakistan's threat to boycott matches held in India. He said: "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
Reader views (1)
Pakistan has not been dealt fairly by the ICC, there is still two years left for the World Cup and situation during this time could improve. ICC should have awaited another 6 month before deciding but what seems clear is a conspiracy against Pakistan at the ICC. Thats not a good move, thats not cricket. Look at the security situation at the other 3 host countries : Australians having refused to play Tennis tournament in India, where the IPL has already been relocated to S Africa for security reason; deadly civil war going on Sri-lanka and an mutiny by army in Bangladesh causing the cancellation of 5 one day international cricket matches. Why singled out Pakistan when still two years are left, ICC should be helping the coutry for the sake of the game, instead are inclined in depriving the cricket crazy people of Pakistan. Shame on Haroon Loogart and co. for acting in such biased way.
- Mark, London, 29/04/2009 13:31
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