Cricket's governing body Saturday pledged support for cricket-deprived Pakistan after the troubled country was stripped of its share of 2011 World Cup matches because of security fears. The promise came during a meeting between Pakistan's sports minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani and officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) here on Friday.
Jilani said he had made clear the disappointment caused by the ICC's decision to strip Pakistan of its 14 World Cup matches over the uncertain security situation there. "I conveyed the displeasure of the Pakistani fans, and although we did not agree on every point... I am confident the ICC is committed to making sure international cricket will flourish again in Pakistan," said Jilani.
India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will now host the mega event in two years' time, leaving Pakistan in further sporting wilderness. The question of stripping Pakistan of its World Cup matches was raised after March's attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which dented the already troubled country's reputation as sporting venue.
Even before the Lahore attacks, which killed eight policemen and left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured, teams had been refusing to travel to Pakistan over security fears. Australia, who have not toured Pakistan since 1998, forced their hosts to play their current series at the neutral venues of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Jilani said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat explained the decision-making process and the reasons behind the decision. "I was briefed about the process and now I am confident the ICC is committed to the future success of Pakistan cricket, because we are an important member of the community," said Jilani.
"I know the ICC will not let Pakistan cricket fall back during this difficult time. Cricket cannot be revived in Pakistan without the ICC and they are determined to make sure the game survives and thrives in our country," said the minister. Lorgat said the ICC was aware how much of a blow the decision had been to Pakistan and its fans.
"We fully understand the disappointment felt by Pakistani fans, players and officials, and we will do everything possible to support Pakistan," he said. "The decision was not taken lightly or hastily. Our number-one priority is to deliver a safe, secure and successful event and the uncertainty created by events within Pakistan created a huge question mark," said Lorgat.
"The important thing for us now is to work out how we can prevent the game from suffering more than it has to. Every ICC Member agrees that Pakistan is an important member. "We want teams to return to play cricket in Pakistan as soon as possible and we are willing to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board to prepare for that time."
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