Pakistan has been ruled out as a venue for the 2011 Cricket World Cup, in the wake of the Lahore terrorist attacks last month that left several members of the Sri Lanka team injured.

The International Cricket Council said Thursday there was still much volatility in Pakistan's security situation and as a result only Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka would host matches in world cricket's largest spectacle.

"It is extremely regrettable that the Board has had to take this decision given the passion the people of Pakistan have for the game of cricket and for the ICC Cricket World Cup," said David Morgan, president of cricket's world governing body.

Cannot afford a repeat

"However, our number one priority was and is to deliver a safe, secure and successful event and the uncertainty created by events within Pakistan created a huge question mark over our ability to do just that.

"That was something we saw all too clearly with the delay over the decision of whether or not Pakistan could host the ICC Champions Trophy last year. The event ended up being postponed and we cannot afford a repeat of that uncertainty or any form of postponement for this event.

"By making this decision now we hope we can put a great deal of any uncertainty to one side and press on with our preparations which, given this is cricket's biggest and most high-profile event within our range of tournaments, are substantial."

The tournament secretariat will also be moved from Pakistan to a location to be determined by CWC's Central Organising Committee.

The four Asian nations submitted a successful joint bid to host cricket's largest showpiece but last month's attacks threw Pakistan's participation in doubt.

Armed militants attacked the convoy carrying the Sri Lankan team and match officials, en route to the Gaddafi Stadium for the scheduled third day of the second Test between Pakistan and the visiting side.

The attacks resulted in death of several of Pakistan's security forces and injury to match and team officials.