Former Pakistan captain expects World Cup to be moved

Pakistan's chances of co-hosting the 2011 World Cup have almost certainly disappeared after yesterday's deadly attack on the Sri Lanka team bus, according to the country's former captain Waqar Younis.

"I don't see the International Cricket Council allowing World Cup matches to be held in Pakistan now. It is gone," Waqar told Reuters shortly after six players were wounded and five policemen killed in the ambush.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said later yesterday that a decision would be made at their next board meeting in April.

"The World Cup is to be held on the sub-continent with Pakistan as one of the joint hosts but I think it will be very challenging for us to be convinced that Pakistan would be a safe venue," he said.

The 2011 World Cup is due to be co-hosted by Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Waqar, who is a commentator for the test series, was metres away from the Sri Lanka coach when the attack took place as the vehicle approached the stadium.

"We talk about foreign teams coming to Pakistan... providing them top security. After what happened today, I don't see any team coming to Pakistan for a while," he said. » See also page20