In an expected but nonetheless disappointing announcement today, Pakistan has been stripped of hosting any matches in the 2011 World Cup because of the uncertain security situation in the country and the unwillingness of a large number of international cricketers to play cricket in the country.

In an expected but nonetheless disappointing announcement today, Pakistan has been stripped of hosting any matches in the 2011 World Cup because of the uncertain security situation in the country and the unwillingness of a large number of international cricketers to play cricket in the country. 

International Cricket Council president David Morgan said: "It is a regrettable decision but our priority is to deliver a safe, secure, successful event." Pakistan were due to co-host the event with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Seven of Sri Lanka's top cricketers and an assistant coach were injured in an attack by gunmen in Lahore on 3 March, but todays announcement means that the other three countries hosting the tournament will share the 16 matches that would have been held in Pakistan.

The news came during the first day of the ICC board meeting in Dubai and Ijaz Butt, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said: "It's a disappointing decision but it can't be helped. Nobody wants to play in Pakistan following the attacks in Lahore."

The co-ordinated attack by around 12 gunmen - armed with grenade and rocket launchers - targeted the Sri Lankan team bus also killed eight Pakistanis. Even then, Pakistani cricket was already suffering from serious security concerns. India and Australia have pulled out of cricket tours in Pakistan in the recent past citing security concerns, and last October's ICC Champions Trophy was postponed and eventually moved away from the country.

The ICC added that Pakistan - which has not hosted Australia since 1998 - was unlikely to resume hosting any cricket at all until 2011. However Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed felt the ICC had acted too quickly. "Two years is a long time," he said. "We could have turned things around for the better as we were organisers of the 1987 World Cup. Things always change quickly on the subcontinent."

The ICC's Morgan suggested compensation would "not be discussed now". But he added: "It can be considered as Pakistan spent money and has lost World Cup revenues."