International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday said Pakistan would not host 2011 World Cup matches because of security concerns.
After ICC’s announcement Pakistan’s future as an international cricket destination hits a dead end just two years before the World Cup is to be played in the sub-continent.
The decision to strip Pakistan of World Cup hosting rights has been taken 44 days after the attack on Sri Lanka’s cricketers outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore by a group of heavily armed terrorists.
“It is a regrettable decision but our number one priority is to create certainty and deliver a safe, secure and successful event. However, the uncertainty created by events within Pakistan created a huge question mark over our ability to do just that. By making this decision now we hope we can put a great deal of any uncertainty to one side and press on with our preparations which, given this is cricket’s biggest and most high profile event within our range of tournaments, are substantial,” said ICC President David Morgan.
