April 19, 2006	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 20, 1427

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

ABU DHABI, April 18: The joint Sub-continent bid for World Cup cricket 2011 Compliance Book is ready and will be submitted personally by the officials of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to the International Cricket Council (ICC) officials in Dubai on Friday.

The ICC gave the sub-continent bidders second opportunity after the date of submission of the Compliance Book had elapsed.

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have joined hands to host the game’s mega event although they expect tough opposition from Australia and New Zealand which are also amongst the bidders.

Pakistan and India with Sri Lanka jointly hosted the 1996 event with India hosting the two semifinals and Lahore’s Qadhafi Stadium the final, won by Sri Lanka.

Earlier in 1987, the two Asian neighbours won the rights to host the game’s biggest showpiece. Pakistan hosted one semifinal while India one semifinal and the final.

The World Cup was organised in a befitting manner both the times and won praise and plaudits from all quarters.

Later, the four Asian countries will present a Public Relation presentation to the ICC officials on April 29 and the final decision by the game’s supreme body will be made the next day from Dubai.

Although it is difficult to predict who will be allotted the 2011 World Cup, Asia with India having the financial muscle is strongly fancied to outbid Australia and New Zealand.