ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: The International Cricket Council (ICC) will take legal action against any encroachers of sponsorship rights of next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

ICC president Malcolm Gray and chief executive Malcolm Speed sounded the warning during their visit of Pakistan over the weekend.

They made it clear that any company other than ICC’s global partners trying to associate with the event would be violating the council’s rules. Terming it as ambush marketing, the bosses warned of strict legal action.

Gray pointed out that South Africa had recently enacted a legislation whereby ambush marketing and selling of counterfeit goods had been declared a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, the World Cup cricket trophy is to arrive in Pakistan on Dec 21 on a 10-day tour during which it will be taken to three cities.

The crystal trophy to be flown in from India, will be unveiled in Bhurban at a special ceremony.

The trophy will remain in Pakistan till Dec 30.