What of the 2011 Cricket World Cup?

In response to the terrorist attack against the Sri Lankan cricketers the other day, the International Cricket Council has put Australia at the top of the list to host the 2011 Cricket World Cup. It's scheduled for Pakistan.

But James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's CEO, seemed to be a little unexcited about the prospect.

He was in front of microphones this week to discuss his earlier decision to cancel Australia's tour of Pakistan last year. And then his attention turned toward the World Cup.

"Officially we are the standby host for the 2011 World cup," Sutherland said. "I think our strong preference is for the event to go ahead in Asia hosted by the countries the ICC sees fit. We're the host for 2015 and we're confident we can put on a fantastic event for 2015, but we want the appropriate lead time into that event because of all the planning considerations necessary for it."

So while Australia is considered Asia, this sounds like he's trying to get out of it due to the lack of planning time. Well, there are a whole lotta people out of work in Australia, and I'm sure a lot of them would jump at the opportunity to help plan the event.

I've got a lot of problems with Cricket Australia, including its sub-par Web site. So, unfortunately, if it blows a chance to host the Cricket World Cup in 2011, it unfortunately won't be a surprise. Contrast this lack of enthusiasm with England whose sports minister has said Pakistan could play its 'home' games in England.

In the meantime, the girl and I are going to hit a few of the matches of the ICC Women's World Cup in the next few weeks. It's the governing body of Australian cricket I don't like. But the teams? I love 'em.