A proposal to have Pakistan's share of 14 World Cup matches played in the UAE in 2011 will be discussed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) at a meeting in London today. Though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to reveal their plans, the ICC admitted they were "open to the idea". An ICC spokesman said: "I am certain a compromise will be worked out. The idea of having games in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is certainly an option."
Pakistan served legal notices on the ICC after being stripped of the hosting rights in March. Days after the decision, Pakistan claimed the way it was done was unfair and did not follow due process. In reply, the ICC added to the confusion by saying that Pakistan retained the "hosting rights" but were no longer the co-hosts. A solution could be having the matches played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but that would need approval from all parties, including the co-hosts India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Emirates Cricket Board chief executive Dilawar Mani said they were keen to put on the games, though the PCB are yet to work out a concrete plan with them. "As far as we are concerned, we made the offer to Pakistan to play their homes series against New Zealand and their share of the World Cup matches here. We are now waiting for Pakistan to advise us." The PCB were criticised for not acting quickly enough on the decision to remove them of their hosts status. Though there have been talks of playing the games in the UAE, the PCB are yet to formalise a definite plan.
David Morgan, the ICC president, said: "The sooner we reach that resolution, the sooner everyone can proceed with the business of concentrating our efforts on working towards a successful event in 2011." apassela@thenational.ae
