Pakistan coach laments ICC's World Cup move

DUBAI, April 18, 2009 (AFP) - Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam Saturday accused world cricket authorities of "unjustly" stripping his country of its right to host matches in the 2011 World Cup.

"I am hugely disappointed," Alam told AFP. "Pakistan has been singled out for security which is unjust and has hit our cricket with a big, big blow which will be hard to overcome for years."

A meeting of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) executive board Friday stripped Pakistan of its 2011 World Cup matches after noting the country's "uncertain political situation" and growing security concerns. Doubts about Pakistan hosting World Cup 2011 matches intensified after the terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus, in Lahore on March 3. Eight people were killed, with seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach wounded. The 2011 World Cup had been awarded to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but after Friday's decision the tournament will now be played only in the latter three countries.

Alam said this was unfair, as security in these countries was also "not good" and that Pakistan's own security could still improve.

"India had to move their high-profile league because of security fears," he said, referring to the Indian Premier League, which was moved to South Africa after New Delhi refused to provide security.