Pakistan Cup games moved

Dubai - The International Cricket Council said on Friday it had decided to move 2011 World Cup matches out of Pakistan owing to security concerns.

The decision came at an ICC executive board meeting in Dubai with the international body saying it had acted after noting the "uncertain political situation" in Pakistan.

Ijaz Butt, chairmperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board, expressed regret.

"It's a disappointing decision but it can't be helped. Nobody wants to play in Pakistan following the attacks in Lahore," said Butt, referring to the March 3 attack on the Sri Lankan squad in the city which killed eight Pakistanis and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

The tournament was to be held jointly by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as Pakistan, which was to have hosted 16 matches.