By IANS,
Dubai : Pakistan were dropped as co-hosts of the 2011 cricket World Cup due to the “uncertain security” situation there, International Cricket Council (ICC) announced after its board meeting here Friday.
“It is a regrettable decision (but) our number one priority is to create certainty and deliver a safe, secure and successful event,” ICC president David Morgan said in a statement.
Pakistan were due to host 14 matches of the event, along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The decision comes after terrorists carried out an audacious strike on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore earlier last month during the Test series. At least seven Pakistanis were killed and six Sri Lanka players were injured in the attack.
The ICC Board discussed a report on the attack and its fall-out on the cricketing world.
ICC match referee Chris Broad, who was officiating in the Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, was present to relate his experience of the incident. Pakistan captain Younus Khan was also present while Mahela Jaywardene, who was the Sri Lanka captain for the series, was available via telephone conference.
Top teams have expressed apprehension about playing in the terror-prone subcontinent after the Mumbai and Lahore attacks.
International teams have stayed away from Pakistan for the last one year. The last year’s Champions Trophy was postponed after Australia, South Africa and England among others refused to tour the country due to security concerns.