Agencies

London, Mar 3: Pakistan cannot host international cricket unless it dramatically improves security, the head of the sport's world body said after Tuesday's Lahore attacks, questioning notably the 2011 World Cup.

"In the current situation it is clearly a very dangerous place," David Morgan, president of the International Cricket Council, said after the deadly attacks on Sri Lanka's cricket team in the Pakistani city.

Asked about plans for the World Cup, due to be played in the four sub-continent countries, ICC president David Morgan said, "Things will have to change dramatically in Pakistan in my opinion if any of the games are to be staged there."

"I think that international cricket in Pakistan is out of the question until there is a very significant change, a regime change I guess," he added.

An ICC spokesman said he assumed Morgan was referring to a call by Pakistani senators this week for the PCB to be sacked.

In an interview, Morgan added, "Quite clearly there could be a regime change in Pakistan and the place could become safe and peaceful again, but that all remains to be seen.

"The World Cup was awarded to the four countries in the subcontinent. The allocation of matches between those four countries is yet to be made.

"Quite clearly, this event puts a great question mark over the ability of Pakistan to host World Cup matches."

Sharad Pawar, ICC Vice-President and the chairman of the Organising Committee of the 2011 World Cup to be jointly hosted by four Asian countries, has admitted that it would be difficult to hold matches in Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack.

"We might get a communication from many participants whether they will play there or not. That will affect our entire programme," he said.

"But now the situation is such that we have to give a thought and it is really shameful what is happening in that country," he said.

"I have discussed this particular situation with CEO of ICC. We have decided to meet sometime next week. All the members who are associated to organise this World Cup have to take decision", he said.

Eight people died when the Sri Lankan cricket team's convoy was attacked by masked gunmen as they travelled to play at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. Seven team members were injured.

Pakistan's High Commissioner to Britain Wajid Hasan meanwhile told Sky News television that it was too early to talk of the end of international cricket in his country.

"I wouldn't like to rush to that sort of conclusion," he said.