PCB determined not to lose 2011 WC

Pakistan's cricket authorities will brief the International Cricket Council about its security plan for the 2011 World Cup at the ICC Executive Board meeting in Dubai this weekend to retain its hosting rights for the mega event.

PCB officials told PTI that a comprehensive security plan, prepared by experts will be laid before the ICC Board members by Chairman Ejaz Butt.

"We can't give much details about this security plan but it is comprehensive and it is updated from the security standard operating procedures we have been using until recently for touring teams," a senior official said. 

He said the plan has been prepared by experts after much consultation as Pakistan is keen to see foreign teams resume touring the country as soon as possible. 

The World Cup has been included in the ICC meeting agenda following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore last month. 

Pakistan is due to host 16 matches including one semi-final of the next World Cup, to be co hosted with Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. 

"There is still time for the tournament and the countdown for logistical and other preparations starts one year before the starting date of the tournament so we have time and we are confident by that time security situation would have improved in the country," the official said.

Sources in the board said that Pakistan had sought the support of the three other Asian countries and all four had discussed a common security plan for the World Cup. 

Sources also said that Butt had personally been taking a lot of interest in the preparation of the blue print for the fresh security plan for foreign teams in Pakistan that was also discussed in detail at a governing council meeting in Lahore last month. 

"Butt will also brief the ICC members about the progress made in the inquiry into the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore," one source said.