ICC fears for future of cricket in Pakistan

Such is his concern that the ICC chief executive hinted the game's ruling body may look to send a hand-picked XI to the country in the future to cover the lack of bi-lateral series in the Asian nation.

The 50-year-old said he would accompany any touring team in Pakistan, while emphasising security intelligence would play a key role in deciding whether such tours were viable.

"It will always be dependent on the expert advice of the security experts, but we think that perhaps towards the end of next year we must start looking at what the horizon looks like and if it is at all possible (to send a team to Pakistan)," he told BBC Radio Five Live Extra.

"We will assess the situation very, very carefully. We know that we can't leave things as they are if it is at all possible to play in Pakistan. "I'm not just suggesting a bi-lateral series, it may be an ICC XI (that tour Pakistan). Whether it's a youth team, and older team, or whatever... I would go with that team as well.

"We need to look at it. We shouldn't just sit back and do nothing. But we certainly would not do something that is not properly calculated."

The ICC has also appointed Mike Brearley and Greg Chappell as ambassadors to help support the beleaguered Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Lorgat announced the roles during the 'neutral' Test match between Pakistan and Australia at Lord's, which concluded with a 150-run win for Ricky Ponting's team on Friday.

Former England captain Brearley and and ex-Australia skipper Chappell, who also coached India, have been charged with encouraging the wider cricket community to support the PCB and its players at a time when it is not possible for Pakistan to stage international cricket.

In March 2009, seven Sri Lanka cricketers were injured when gunmen attacked the team bus while it was on its way to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for a Test against Pakistan.

Few teams will contemplate playing in Pakistan at present but Lorgat believes it is vital to keep the situation in the public eye during a difficult period for a country scarred by the threat of terrorism.

"I am personally delighted that we have men of the stature of Mike Brearley and Greg Chappell working with the ICC and playing an ambassadorial role in support of Pakistan cricket," Lorgat said.

"It is vitally important for the global game that Pakistan continues to compete at the highest levels.

"We are grateful to members of the ICC Pakistan task team who have worked extremely hard, under the leadership of ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) chairman Giles Clarke, to ensure they are able to play at international level.

"I am also grateful to all the Full Members for their support of Pakistan cricket at this difficult time," South African administrator Lorgat added.

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