Cricket's governing body has pledged support for cricket-deprived Pakistan after the it was stripped of its share of 2011 World Cup matches because of security fears. The promise came during a meeting between Pakistan's Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani and officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) here on Friday. Jilani said he had made clear the disappointment caused by the ICC's decision to strip Pakistan of its 14 World Cup matches over the uncertain security situation there. “I conveyed the displeasure of the Pakistani fans, and although we did not agree on every point ... I am confident the ICC is committed to making sure international cricket will flourish again in Pakistan,” said Jilani on Saturday. India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will now host the mega event in two years' time, leaving Pakistan in further sporting wilderness. The question of stripping Pakistan of its World Cup matches was raised after March's attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. ‘Dubai home ground' Famed paceman Waqar Younis Saturday said Pakistan should play arch-rival India in the neutral venues of the UAE after political tensions put home fixtures on hold. Last year New Delhi refused to clear its national team's tour to Pakistan in the wake of the attacks on Mumbai, which India blamed on militants based across the border. Now Waqar says he fears there may be no bilateral series in India or Pakistan. “I don't think Pakistan will be traveling to India in the near future nor India will be touring Pakistan and so this is the place and I see this as the home ground (for Pakistan) in the near future,” said Waqar, who played 87 Tests and 262 one-day matches for Pakistan.
