Pakistan's World Cup place at risk
Updated on 03 March 2009
The president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) admits Pakistan's involvement in the 2011 cricket World Cup is under review after this morning's terrorist attack in Lahore.
Five Pakistani policemen escorting the tourists' team bus were killed in the gunfire, and seven Sri Lanka players were injured.
Speaking at a press conference in London, David Morgan, president of the ICC, said his organisation was going to have to "think very carefully" about Pakistan staging games in the 2011 tournament.
Original plans for the event involved playing matches in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
But responding to a question from Krishnan Guru Murthy, the ICC president told the press conference: "The board involved will have to think very carefully about the extent to which Pakistan will be used for the event.
"The safety and security of players, officials and supporters is very important and the board will be taking that into account.
"On many occasions we were told cricket would not be targeted in Pakistan. This morning's events prove that incorrect."David Morgan, president of the ICC
"I think that the situation in Pakistan is such that teams cannot be expected to go there in the immediate future, but things can change, and they can change very quickly. It is something the board will be giving their immediate attention."
Morgan said although a board meeting would take place in April to review the situation, although the ICC would make immediate attempts to assess the current risks.
He added: "On many occasions we were told cricket would not be targeted in Pakistan. This morning's events prove that incorrect.
"I believe cricket must go on. I think it was important England returned to India (in December) after the Mumbai bombings.
"But we have to provide the safest possible environment for cricket to be played.
"I believe the situation as it is currently stands in Pakistan is such that there will be reluctance for cricketers to wish to return there."
