Pakistan Stripped of 2011 World Cup Hosting Rights

Per BBC Sport, Pakistan has been revoked any hosting rights for the 2011 World Cup by the International Cricket Council due to an "uncertain security situation." Pakistan along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were set to co-host the event, but due to the terrorist attacks that left seven Sri Lankan cricketers and an assistant coach injured in Lahore March 3rd the International Cricket Council has decided that is too much of a risk. "It is a regrettable decision but our priority is to deliver a safe, secure, successful event, " said International Cricket Council David Morgan. Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket board Ijaz Butt said, "It's a disappointing decision but it can't be helped. Nobody wants to play in Pakistan following the attacks in Lahore."

Twittiers reacted to the news.

1. 
   adnansalim Pakistan loses out on world cup cricket hosting. who do we blame? bad intel on foreign attacks? poor security for the lankans? 17 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   srikanthv2 No World Cup in Pakistan. We'll miss the fireworks. 17 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   hammeruk14 really sad news for PCB with the announcement of no world cup cricket matches to be played in pakistan understandable tbh but still sad 17 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   RashidMukhtar @bbcnews Yes, cricket is a religion in Pakistan. Sad news for Pak cricket & fans. ICC should have rather moved the World Cup to Aus/NZ. 17 Apr 2009 from web in reply to bbcnews
5. 
   omairzahid Just heard that Pakistan won't be hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup, can't pretend I'm surprised. 17 Apr 2009 from web
6. 
   iplt20cricket Terror-ridden Pakistan loses World Cup hosting rights 17 Apr 2009 from twitterfeed
7. 
   AIESECPAKISTAN hates the fact that Pakistan was revoked as an official host for the cricket world cup 2011! 17 Apr 2009 from web

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Pakistan Stripped of 2011 World Cup Hosting Rights

Israeli athlete denied visa for Dubai Tournament

Per the Jerusalem Post, "Israeli tennis star Shahar Pe'er has been denied a visa for this week's WTA tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates."

A man in the UAE seemed confused by the news.

@tomsp (Abu Dhabi, UAE): If Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer can play in Qatar, I don;t really see why she can;t play in the UAE http://tinyurl.com/acj9j7


The news sparked reaction from other parts of the world.

@Yael_80 (Glasgow, Scotland): I really can't believe that 46% of people polled on cnn.com believe the UAE had a right to refuse an entry visa for Shahar Peer. WTF.


@magzalez (Gainesville, Fla.): UUGGH, can't believe the UAE denied Shahar Peer (Israeli female tennis player) a visa to play in Dubai this week! WTA needs to take action.


@PDMojo (St. Louis, Mo.): Weak, WTA. Very weak. Clearly the reason they didn't cancel is because Dubai is rolling in cash. If this were Serena, story would be huge.


@JodiEchakowitz (Toronto, Canada): UAE denied a visa to an Israeli tennis player. Someone needs a good lesson on separating church (sports) from state (politics).

Israeli athlete denied visa for Dubai Tournament