GEORGETOWN, March 12: In weeks and months leading to start of Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean, the ICC will be keeping a close watch on security.

Security assurances are critical criteria for hosting of international sports events. Cricket too has had its security problems. Matches on the sub-continent between India and Pakistan are played amidst tight security driven by fears of violence.

The last World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, and Test tours to Zimbabwe gave rise to security concerns and player withdrawals.—Agencies