World Cup matches moved out of Pakistan

The International Cricket Council have moved 2011 World Cup matches out of Pakistan.

The decision was taken at the executive board meeting in Dubai on Friday.

The ICC said the decision was made due to the "uncertain political situation" in Pakistan.

Security in Pakistan has deteriorated drastically since the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto last year.

Australia and New Zealand refused to tour the country last year due to security fears, while South Africa refused to participate in the Champions Trophy in September last year.

The Champions Trophy was then postponed by 13 months and subsequently moved to South Africa.

Most recently, on March 3, the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by gunmen in Lahore as they made their way to the Gaddafi Stadium for the third day of the second Test between the sides. Eight people were killed in the attacks and a number of the Sri Lanka team were injured.

ICC president David Morgan said: "It is a regrettable decision. Our number one priority is to create certainty and deliver a safe, secure and successful event."

Pakistan's cricket fraternity reacted with dismay to the decision with PCB chief operating officer Saleem Altaf claiming: "This is shocking. I don't know what transpired at the meeting, but this is a disappointing decision.

"We were keen for international cricket to return to Pakistan and were working on a security plan to convince the ICC and other countries," he added.