Cricket: Pakistan could play 'home' games in England

LONDON - Pakistan may be invited to play its "home" games in England after Tuesday's attack on Sri Lanka's team in Lahore effectively made it a no-go area for international cricket.

The invitation came from Britain's Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, while Australia said it would welcome playing a test series in England.

Cricket's world governing body admitted it did not see Pakistan playing at home in the foreseeable future and supported the suggestion that it could play on neutral venues.

"This is, of course, a tragedy for all those who lost their lives," Sutcliffe said of the Lahore shootings, which killed seven police officers and a civilian driver and injured six players, an umpire and a coach.

"But this is also tragic for cricket in Pakistan. I want to make sure that the sport in general, and cricket in Pakistan in particular, does not lose out. We could offer Pakistan a temporary home here. Most of the players play here in the county game already."

Sutcliffe said there was a huge Pakistan fan base in England, especially in Bradford, where he is the local representative in the British parliament.

"There is great support for the team in many parts of the country, for example, among the Pakistani community in my constituency," he said. "Whatever happens, safety for the players and fans will be at the heart of anything we do."

Because of security fears in Pakistan, Australia pulled out of its tour of the country last season. But Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said his organisation was having talks with the Pakistan board about playing tests in England in 2010 when the Aussies are due already to play the hosts in a one-day series.

"One option we have discussed with them is playing three tests in England in mid-2010 or thereabouts, after the ODIs we are due to play against England in England," Young said. "I understand that England is, in principle, aware of and comfortable with that possibility, subject to details that might develop."

The International Cricket Council, which said it was saddened and shocked by the shootings in Lahore, admitted Pakistan was unlikely to host international cricket for a lengthy spell. It would also review Pakistan's co-hosting of the 2011 World Cup with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"It's difficult to see international cricket being played in Pakistan in the foreseeable future," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. "But it's better Pakistan chooses to play cricket in neutral venues than not at all. We should encourage the game to continue."

- AP