Lahore, Nov 8 : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has told the four host countries - Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - of the 2011 World Cup to speed up their preparations for the event, saying that they were running around ten months behind schedule.

“ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat told representatives of the Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh cricket boards during a meeting in New Delhi this week that they needed to fast track preparations that are running 10 months behind schedule,” the Daily Times quoted PCB Director General (Operations) Salim Altaf as telling here last evening.

The joint World Cup committee met formally for the first time since it was formed in June 2007.

“The ICC had advised us to go into overdrive. The budget for the World Cup would be approved next year in June,” Salim added.

He further said that the ICC would also be contacting the respective governments to discuss a common visa for World Cup visitors. “They want a common visa like the one issued for the last World Cup in West Indies in 2007,” he said.

India is due to host 22 matches, including the final of the tournament, with 14 matches in Pakistan, nine in Sri Lanka and six matches.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will host the semi-finals while Bangladesh will host the opening ceremony on February 20. (ANI)