MUMBAI: India and Pakistan will jointly bid for the 2011 cricket World Cup. The two countries have in the past hosted the event in 1987 and in 1996.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) head Sharad Pawar was quoted in reports saying that the two countries would bid together. Pawar met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Pawar is in Lahore to watch the first day of the India-Pakistan Test.
Before that though the Champions Trophy takes place in India in September 2006. Matches will be played in Delhi, Kolkatta and Mumbai. Pawar has also expressed confidence in a smooth process happening as far as the awarding of the television rights for India cricket are concerned.
Last month it had been reported that Australia was undecided over whether to make a formal bid to stage the 2011 World Cup. Australia and New Zealand had co-hosted the event in 1992 which was won by Pakistan. The decision on who gets to host the World Cup is expected from the International Cricket Council (ICC) later this year.
Australia has delayed any decision on a bid until the next ICC chief executives' meeting which takes place next month. Australia is still waiting for an indication from the ICC about the bidding process and what it needs to do.
Media reports indicate that the ICC's agreement with their marketing partners, Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) runs out after the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and the council are working on a new package for events after 2007.
Under the current rotaion policy Australia is first in line to host the 2007 event but the ICC is believed to be looking at changing this policy.