LONDON (Reuters)
Sharjah and Morocco are being considered as neutral venues if the US-led attacks on Afghanistan indefinitely prevent neighbouring Pakistan from hosting cricket tours. New Zealand and Sri Lanka have already cancelled tours to Pakistan because of security fears and the uncertainty surrounding visits to the sub-continent will be discussed at next week's meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting, which was transferred from Lahore, begins on Monday and concludes on Friday. At a media briefing at Lord's on Monday ICC president Malcolm Gray said the political situation in the sub-continent was a huge problem. "Our hope is that it might be short and sharp and we can get over it quickly," he said. "But if the situation continues it will cause enormous problems logistically and financially for the game. It's possible Pakistan's home matches could be played at independent venues if that becomes necessary."

Reports from Pakistan this week said the Pakistan Cricket Board had agreed in principle to staging home tests in independent venues with Sharjah and Morocco both possibilities.

The West Indies have delayed making a final decision on their tours of Sri Lanka this year and Pakistan early in the new year until they have discussed the issue at next week's meeting.

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