Pakistan Down £7m After World Cup Loss

Pakistan’s removal as a co-host of the 2011 Cricket World Cup due to security concerns is set to cost the country’s national cricket board over £7m in lost revenues.

The country was set to hold 14 ties, including one semi-final, after being awarded the tournament in conjunction with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

However the attack on the Sri Lankan team coach by gunmen in Lahore on 3rd March has seen Pakistan removed as co-hosts by the International Cricket Council.

The other three countries hosting the tournament are to now share the fixtures that would have been held in Pakistan.

Pakistan Board chief Saleem Altaf said: ‘We will lose out on hosting fees. The ICC pays out $750,000 each match.’

Altaf insisted Pakistan have already suffered substantial revenue losses due to the cancellation of tours by Australia and India last year.

The Champions Trophy was also to be held in the country over September and October 2008, but the ICC relocated the eight-nation event to South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is believed to estimate the combined loss of revenues since last year is around £27m.

The ICC has stated that compensation would ‘not be discussed now but it can be considered as Pakistan spent money and has lost World Cup revenues.’

The ICC added that Pakistan was unlikely to resume hosting any cricket at all until 2011.

The ICC will also review security at international matches following the events in Lahore with Lord Condon, the chairman of its anti-corruption and security unit, set to lead a task force team.