NZ and Australia plan joint bid for 2011 World Cup

After staging the under-19 World Cup, Martin Snedden wants another go at the main event © Getty Images Enlarge

Martin Snedden, the New Zealand Cricket chief executive, has confirmed that early negotiations are under way with Australia to bid for the 2011 World Cup. While a formal plan is months away, Snedden said there had been talks between the boards and the structure would be similar to the 1991-92 event, which included group games in New Zealand and the final at the MCG.

"We will express our interest but do not know what the bidding process will be yet," Snedden told stuff.co.nz. "It's too soon to be optimistic, but we are realistic. We have held the event here before and proved we could run it well and capably."

The ICC's rotation cycle suggests that Australasia should be in line to hold the tournament after the 2007 World Cup in West Indies, but the increased financial and playing rewards from Asia may sway the decision-makers. "Because of the number of countries in the Asian region, it will come around more frequently there," Snedden said. He expects a final decision at next year's ICC annual meeting.