July 24 Wednesday 2002
US planning to stage World Cup 2007 ties

HOUSTON, US: The USA Cricket Association are planning to host some matches of the 2007 Cricket World Cup which will be held in the West Indies, Secretary, USACA, Badar Rafaie said on Monday. "We are planning to establish the infrastructure and facilities for the purpose before making a bid with the International Cricket Council (ICC)," Rafaie said. "This is a difficult task, but with almost five years to go we can start preparations right now "

He said keeping in view the growing popularity of the sport in the US, "we are considering Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Miami as the likely venues for the World Cup games." The ICC officials were keen to bring international cricket to the US, he added. He said ICC Vice-president Ehsan Mani was extending great support for the promotion of cricket in the US.

Rafaie, a former first-class player from Pakistan, said cricket was going to stay in America in the presence of large number of expatriates from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the West Indies, Australia and England. "Efforts are already afoot to secure land in California, Texas, Florida and some other places to develop grounds and top-level facilities for international cricket. With the support and backing of the ICC this project can be completed."