2011 World Cup co-hosts to seek common visa

19 Jun, 2007

Cricket officials from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh decided on Monday to push for a common visa that would allow spectators easier travel between the 2011 World Cup co-hosts during the tournament.
The four co-hosts also decided at a meeting in Bhurban, Pakistan to discuss possible changes to the duration of the next World Cup with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"Every effort would be made to make this World Cup a spectator friendly one with special emphasis on keeping low priced tickets for the local people," Indian cricket board President Sharad Pawar said.
The cricket boards of the four countries would also seek cooperation with their governments to secure a common visa for the tournament. The ICC and West Indies cricket board have faced criticism for the high price of tickets at the 2007 World Cup and the length of time it took to complete the tournament.
"Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka all have previous experience of hosting the World Cup and we will use it to make the next World Cup one of the best in its history," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf said. The meeting also decided to ask the ICC for funds to develop and upgrade existing stadiums in the four countries. India is due to stage 22 matches including the final, Pakistan 14, Sri Lanka nine and Bangladesh six.

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