Australia rules out hosting 2011 cricket world cup

Melbourne, Mar 7 (ANI): Australia has ruled out hosting the 2011 world cup, which is due to be held in the sub continent, except in dire circumstances.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland believes that the subcontinent will still hold the 2011 world cup despite this week's terrorist attack on Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

Joint 2015 hosts Australia and New Zealand are reserve nations for 2011, but Sutherland said Australia did not want the event and had not been approached to hold it.

"While we have obligations as a reserve nation, we are very, very reluctant to host in 2011 given there is such a short lead-time to the event," The Australian quoted him, as saying.

"We're planning for 2015, which is six years away. With major events, you need that sort of time frame."

There are increasing concerns about security throughout the subcontinent following attack on the convoy containing the Sri Lankan team bus and a van with match officials.

Speculation had been mounting that the International Cricket Council would consider moving the next world cup, but that appears most unlikely.

The designated hosts are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but Pakistan will be ruled out as a destination.

Even Bangladesh has cancelled a tour to Pakistan following the terrorist attack. (ANI)