ICC satisfied with 2011 WC preparations

DHAKA, Jan 10 (UNI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed satisfaction over the preparations for the 2011 World Cup which will be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"We are progressing very well in terms of preparations for the World Cup.

I am very satisfied.

We are doing pretty well," ICC chief Haroon Lorgat told reporters here yesterday.

The Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi was caught up in a controversy after the final one-dayer between India and Sri Lanka was called off due to a 'dangerous' pitch last month.

The crisis may see the Indian capital stripped off its rights to host the World Cup matches, but Lorgat refused to comment on the issue.

"The Indian cricket authorities had responded to the ICC's query on the ground as all Cup venues have to fulfill certain minimum standards in order to qualify for hosting the premier event.

"ICC chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle and head of cricket operations David Richardson would determine what is the appropriate way forward to deal with that," he said.

The 14-nation tournament will see India hosting 29 matches at eight venues, Sri Lanka 12 games at three venues and Bangladesh will eight at two places.

The teams have been divided into two groups of seven each for the preliminary league, with the top four from each group advancing to the quarter-final.

India has been placed in Group B along with South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and qualifiers Ireland, and Netherlands.

Defending champions Australia are in Group A, which also includes Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and two qualifiers, Canada and Kenya.