ICC asks 2011 WC organisers to consider alternate venues

New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) Virtually raising questions over
Pakistan's status as a joint host of the 2011 World Cup, the
ICC Tuesday asked its organisers to consider shifting venues
to another country saying the situation in Pakistan was a
"consideration" before a decision can be taken.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the
2011 World Cup Central Organising Committee here, the ICC CEO
said the situation in Pakistan was a "consideration" for the
governing body.

"It's a consideration that we have to give attention to.
This is not something we discussed today, except to ask the
organisers to consider alternate host city venues within the
country as well as alternate country venues in the event of
something being not favourable in one of the particular host
countries," Lorgat said.

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will jointly
host the event starting February 19.

Lorgat, however, did not make any direct reference to the
security situation in Pakistan, a reason on which both India
and Australia recently called off their scheduled cricket
tours.

"I think it's still a long way off to World Cup. It is
certainly a consideration to keep note of but it's way too
early to be already concerned at this particular stage," he
added.

Reminded about visiting teams' reluctance to tour
Pakistan and whether he was optimistic...etc etc (Ed here
please pick up from the opening para of TAR 69 slugged
'SPORT-LORGAT 2'). PTI AY
SAK