PCB still hopes to persuade ICC to allow Pakistan host 2011 World Cup matches

Lahore, June 27 (ANI): While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made it clear that it would not revoke its decision of hosting any 2011 World Cup matches in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still hoping that it would force the apex cricketing agency to change its verdict.

After the ICC's confirmation of not hosting any of the 14 matches awarded to Pakistan earlier, the PCB chairman, Ijaz Butt, said he was still hopeful that the council would allow Pakistan to host its share of matches at neutral venues.

"I still feel there is a scope for the PCB to work out a solution of these issues, which is acceptable to everyone. We will continue to explore various options," The Daily Times quoted Butt, as saying.

Butt said had the other three host nations India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh supported the PCB during the ICC meeting, the PCB would have surely succeeded in its aims.

"I thought we had made significant progress till last week but no support from the Asian countries meant that Pakistan may not be able to physically host these games at venues of its choice. But all is not lost as we are still optimistic and will continue to pursue this matter in the interest of the PCB and Pakistan cricket," he added.

Butt said that the option of neutral venues would be discussed again at a meeting of the ICC's central organising committee (COC).

Earlier, the ICC had rejected the PCB's proposal to stage its share of 2011 World Cup matches at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ICC said that the 14 matches, which were allotted to Pakistan earlier, would now be shared between the other three host nations. (ANI)