First World Cup venue is ready

The new Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts & Nevis, about to host the third ODI between West Indies and India, has become the first venue to be completed ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean next March.

The stadium is set to host Australia, Scotland, South Africa and the Netherlands in the World Cup and Chris Dehring, managing director of the World Cup 2007, said, "It is a source of immense pride and joy to us all in the Caribbean and should act as an inspiration for those working on other stadia."

Other venues though remain behind schedule, including Jamaica's Sabina Park where India and West Indies played two ODIs last week. BBC Sport reported that delays at Sabina Park have led to suggestions that the International Cricket Committee (ICC), could ask neighbouring countries to step in.

Ashtrom, the construction firm renovating Sabina Park had asked for matches this year to be called off, but the local World Cup organising committee wanted to use India's tour as dress rehearsals for 2007. The firm says it has been held up by a lack of cement, which has caused delays at many of the grounds being upgraded for the World Cup, and labour problems. Dehring has insisted, however, that all venues will be ready on time.