Spark Spot

Pakistan, after the Lankan attack has become even more threatening place for many cricketers. ICC decided to meet on discussing the issues regarding hosting the 2011 world cup matches in pakistan.

During an important ICC meet held in Dubai,  it was decided that no world cup match could be held in Pakistan, following a uncertain political and security situation prevailing in that country. The decision is anticipated to cost Pakistan Cricket Board an approximate loss of 800,000 to 100,000 dollars.

Pakistan was scheduled to host 14 matches and the semi-final of the World Cup, which was to be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as per previous arrangements. Doubts emerged over the prospects of Pakistan hosting the World Cup matches after the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last month, following which the ICC also indicated it would be difficult to convince teams to play in the country.

Although the World Cup central secretariat is in Lahore and the ICC recently approved appointment of a Pakistani Managing Director there but it is yet to be fully operational following the prevailing troublesome environment and uncertainty.

Pakistan, which was asked to host the Champions Trophy this season, lost the pride after the terror attack that took place aginst the Srilankan Cricket team. Many cricket playing nations have expressed their dis-satisfaction to come to pakistan for playing the champions trophy considering that it is not a secure country to play cricket. ICC  also thinks that Pakistan is not a safe country and is often prone to blasts and attacks. So ICC panel decided to shift the Champions Trophy from Pakistan.

The next thought from cricket fans is that India or Srilanka might host this trophy that will last for 12 days. Infact Srilanka had a better chance. But due to the war between the srilankan military and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, this might also not happen. Also the ICC  had said that Sri Lanka had agreed to step aside because there could be no guarantee of favourable weather at that time of the year.

Suddenly the lattest buzz is that South Africa may host this Champions Trophy. Cricket South Africa said that it will consider hosting the ICC Champions Trophy tournament in September this year once it receives an official invitation for the same. Cricket SouthAfrica have asked the ICC to provide them with a financial model and then their  Board will discuss the matter once it has received this model and an official ICC invitation.