Pak should play on neutral venues: ICC

The International Cricket Council indicated on Tuesday here, that the future of international cricket in Pakistan is in doubt following the terror attack.

The International Cricket Council indicated on Tuesday here, that the future of international cricket in Pakistan is in doubt following the terror attack. "It is difficult to see international cricket being played in Pakistan in the foreseeable future," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive stated. He added that instead of playing no matches at all, Pakistan should consider playing on neutral venues.

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At a hastily arranged press conference at Lord's, ICC President David Morgan, echoed Lorgat's assessment. "The situation in Pakistan is such that teams shouldn't be expected to go there in the immediate future. But that does not mean that it may remain unsafe forever."

Asked whether the 2011 World Cup matches would be shifted from Pakistan, Morgan said the ICC would meet in mid-April to discuss the future of cricket in Pakistan, including the World Cup.

"There are three other countries where the matches could be played," said Lorgat. He said that while staging matches there was not viable in the near future, "no decision has yet been taken regarding 2011. The board will have to think carefully about the extent to which Pakistan will be used in that event. We need to be careful of a knee-jerk reaction."

Lorgat revealed that the ICC safety assessment team had informed them some time ago that after the exit of Pervez Musharraf, there could be greater security concerns under the civilian government. "This is why the Champions Trophy was cancelled." On the issue of the IPL, Morgan clarified that it had nothing to do with the ICC. Foreign players have been contracted privately.